Blog by pitas

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Manga pics from Sky-fire, 17kk, swwdm, 89890& BW Forum.

Most of the Quotes are from
Quote Garden, ThinkExist & Our Daily Bread

To God Be the Glory!

Chitose looks at Shun in surprise by what Shun said, “Do you want to go steady with me.” She wonders if he meant about accompanying her to some place. [Note said that in Japanese ‘accompany to’ and ‘go steady’ sounds the same] But then, it seems that isn’t what he meant. Shun just tells her to think about it and they should go. Chitose says, okay. She starts to somewhat jog else she cannot catch up with Shun. Looking at Shun’s back, she wonders if he is joking. At school, in the clubroom, Chitose, Yuki, Saaya and Kanata are all listless-bored. Midoriko reprimands them not to be like that. She knows that after the festival, they would want to relax a bit but still, they have to make a summary report for next year. The others just lamely says, ya. Midoriko mentions about what to do with the money that they earned from that extra activity [selling biscuits] before. Will they use it for the next activity? Chitose looks at the money from an envelope and mutters that it is around 20,000 yen. Saaya suggests that they go out and celebrate since that money isn’t supposed to be internal revenue [income] for the club. Yuki agrees with the idea. Someone asks where they would go. Someone else says that they go karaoke. Another one exclaims that s/he wants to eat self-service [make your own] crepe. Just then, Shun comes in and asks why they are all excited. He is drinking juice from a tetra pack. Yuki tells him that is a school festival celebration and they are talking about how they are going to spend the money to celebrate. Before sitting beside Chitose, Shun puts an apple juice pack in front of Chitose. Chitose asks what it is for. Shun says that he’s giving it to her. Kanata asks why it is that only Chitose has it. Shun casually says why he is asking why when it just means that she is ‘special’ [favoring her]. Chitose, Kanata and Midoriko are surprised. Shun and Saaya look stunned-not happy. Shun asks Chitose if she had thought about it. This surprises Chitose that she stutters and asks if he was serious about it. Shun says, yes. Yuki says that he doesn’t totally understand what they are talking about, so what’s going on. Shun tells him that he had asked Chitose to go steady with him. While Shun is drinking his juice, everyone is collectively in surprise. Chitose thinks that it isn’t that polite and at that time, he used an ordering tone. Blushing, Midoriko exclaims that this is really shocking for he actually likes Chitose. She asks when did Shun start to like her. Kanata says that Shun always doesn’t have a girlfriend. Shun says that he indeed never had a girlfriend. Midoriko is surprised again and finds it really unexpected while Kanata finds it really suspicious. Shun casually says that it is because he always hasn’t been interested in that kind of thing but, he is a young man right now so he should more or less have a girlfriend. Midoriko happily asks if he decided on to Chitose.

Thumbing towards Chitose, Shun smiles and says yes, and weren’t they supposed to find a boyfriend for Chitose so he is suitable. Midoriko squeals that it’s great if it’s Shun and Chitose. Kanata comments that Midoriko is too excited over it. Shun asks Yuki what he thinks about it. “It won’t be a problem if Kaneshiro’s partner will be me, right?” Yuki looks surprised then says, “Ya, that is..if it’s Shun, then there’s totally no problem at all.” Chitose looks a bit flustered. Yuki adds, “But, it seems you are only looking for a girlfriend. Regarding Chitose, do you really like her?” Shun says, “I like [her], to the degree that I can go steady with her.” Yuki exclaims in disbelief. He shouts why it is only to that degree and isn’t that too frivolous. Unfazed, Shun says that he doesn’t want to be told that by a guy who already has a girlfriend yet is still fooling around. Yuki couldn’t answer back. Shun continues to say that to be considered as someone ‘whom he can go steady with’ is already a very high assessment for him. Chitose still looks shock. Kanata asks, really. Midoriko asks if it is because until now, he doesn’t have anyone in particular whom he desired to go steady with. Shun asks Saaya that she should approve of it. Saaya looks at him then looks away. She just says if Chitose says okay. She then points at Shun and shouts, “But, Chitose won’t agree to it! To be with a guy like you!” Shun angrily asks what’s with her. Soon, Chitose becomes overwhelmed and pressured by all the reactions of the others. Midoriko is asking if Chitose would want to go steady with Shun. Kanata urges her to since it is a good deal though he doesn’t quite believe that Shun doesn’t have a girlfriend before. Saaya believes that it is better for Chitose to just give up on the idea. Shun is angry at Saaya’s reaction. Yuki is asking Chitose if Shun is okay and if he isn’t, they can just find some other guy. In the end, Chitose shouts for them to stop. She grabs Shun and shouts for Shun to come with her. She pulls him away which somewhat surprises the others. At some school corridor, Chitose exclaims to Shun why he is saying about that in front of everyone. Shun asks what’s bad about it and it isn’t something that can be hidden. Chitose exclaims that it isn’t good at all. Chitose explains to him that Yuki is the one who said about helping her get a boyfriend and that is just because he felt responsible as to why she went to Tokyo. Chitose tells him that the truth is, she didn’t thought of definitely having a boyfriend and it isn’t because she wants a boyfriend that she went to Tokyo. Shun says that he knows for she wants Yuki that is why she came. “But he already has Saaya so you should give up.”

Chitose looks down and says, ya. Shun asks, “But, giving up and not liking him anymore are two different things. You still like Yuki?” Chitose blushes. Shun tells her that if she doesn’t look at other guys then she might not be able to forget about Yuki. “It will be very painful.” Chitose looks down and says that maybe he is right. “But I also don’t think that I can also just force myself to like someone else.” Smiling Shun tells her that she can do it but first, she should find a partner and slowly, the feelings will develop. The more time she spends getting along with that person, the more she’ll be indifferent to Yuki’s existence. Chitose asks if it will really go smoothly like that. Shun says that he couldn’t guarantee it but he thinks that the success rate is high. “So, go steady with me. If you only have a boyfriend, Shun and Saaya can also relax. This way, everything can be perfectly resolved.” Chitose looks at Shun and asks, “Akaishi-kun, why do you want a girlfriend?” This surprises Shun. After a pause, Shun says that perhaps it is because after seeing Yuki [and Saaya], he feels envious. “Always cherishing someone and that person always cherishing me..I also want to establish that kind of relationship with someone.” Chitose thinks if that is so, and that kind of feeling isn’t bad for she can really understand his feelings. Shun then mutters that he should say that it is more of an instinct of his physical desire. Chitose asks what he just said. Shun says that it is nothing. Chitose thinks out loud about her misgivings about how she can actually like him since she cannot visualize it. “The truth is, right now, I totally have no feelings [for you]..” Chitose is puzzled when Shun asks if she wants to try it out. He suddenly hugs her. Chitose shouts for him to let her go since they can be seen from the sport’s field. Still hugging her, Shun says that no one would notice. “How is it? Is your heart beating fast?” Chitose shouts, “Of course! Let me go!” Shun lets her go and says that’s good for he has hope since at least, she is conscious of being with a guy. Flustered Chitose exclaims that isn’t true for anyone’s heart would beat really fast if someone does that kind of thing. Shun says is that so, but it isn’t really bad for he likes the feeling of hugging Chitose because she’s delicate. Chitose looks flustered. Shun asks if she has decided on it. After a pause, Chitose says that she understands what he is saying. “Honestly, whether it is for myself or not to be a burden to Yuki-kun, I should find a boyfriend soon..but whether to choose you as a boyfriend..I’m still undecided, basically I don’t know anything about Akaishi-kun..”

Shun blankly says that she’ll get to know him after they went steady. He tells her that to be confessed by someone whom she doesn’t know well, she only needs to look at the appearance and if her feeling towards that person is okay. From that, she’ll give her reply. He asks, “Isn’t that what people usually does?” Hesitant Chitose says, “Huh? But, your appearance and [my] feeling towards you..I don’t like..it’s a bit scary..” This made Shun angry. Shun says okay, he’ll give her a week’s time wherein she can observe him. He also gives her permission to investigate about him and afterwards, she can properly think about it. “After one week, you are to give me your answer! Okay?!” Aghast Chitose just mutters in agreement. Somewhat irritated Shun then walks back to the room followed by timid Chitose. Back in the club, Midoriko and Kanata exclaim that they are back and what happened. Shun tells them that Chitose will give her answer after a week. Midoriko exclaims her anticipation for it. Yuki and Saaya just look at them. Chitose thinks that a week is too short but then, giving an answer basically doesn’t need such a long time. Scene changes to Yuki’s apartment, Yuki calls out to Saaya to hurry up else they will be late. Saaya is dressing up in the room and says she will be finished soon. Outside his apartment, Saaya tells Yuki to call Chitose so that they can go to school together. Yuki doesn’t want to so that Saaya asks why isn’t it a good idea for the three of them to go to school together. “Don’t you want her to know that I’ve stayed overnight at your place?” Yuki denies that is the reason but still, he doesn’t feel that there is a need to intentionally let Chitose know about it. They were interrupted when Chitose sees the two and calls out Saaya’s name. Saaya greets Chitose a good morning. Chitose greets her back and asks that it’s quite early and did she come to fetch Yuki. Saaya smiles and says no, she come to have fun since Yuka, Yuki’s sister, went on a trip yesterday and isn’t home. Chitose just looks at her then suddenly blushes really red and exclaims, is that so. Saaya happily holds Chitose’s arm and says that they should go to school together. She tells Chitose that it is very convenient to go from there since it is near school. Chitose just says really. While walking, Yuki looks sad while Saaya’s expression seems wide-eyed. Chitose looks at the two and thinks that Saaya stayed overnight at Yuki’s place. She thinks that is natural because they are lovers and there are a lot of occasions when she sees them being intimate with each other. Flustered, Chitose thinks that even if she knows that, but still, for her to see it in front of her, it is quite.. While walking towards school, Shun watches the trio from behind.

Later on, Saaya goes to the clubroom to find only Shun there. Saaya asks if the others haven’t arrived yet and isn’t Chitose in the same class as his. Shun says that she is on [cleaning?] duty. Shun goes back to tinkering/typing on the laptop computer. Saaya looks at him then asks what he is planning regarding Chitose. Shun looks at her. Saaya asks again if he has some sort of plot. Shun denies it. She asks if Shun really wants to go steady with Chitose. Shun says, of course. After a pause, Saaya tells him not to hurt Chitose. Shun laughs it off and asks, “What right do you have to say that? Today, this morning, you three went to school together. Isn’t it too cruel for you to intentionally let Kaneshiro see that you stayed overnight at Yuki’s place?” This surprises Saaya. She looks away and says that it is inevitable. “Although Chitose is very cute, I also like her, but I cannot give Yuki to her.” Shun asks if Saaya is in that much of a danger/crisis since it seems that Yuki is really concerned about Chitose. “It really feels different from the other girls whom he fooled around with.” Saaya admits that is true and Yuki is really attracted to Chitose because basically, Yuki likes that type of girl – sincere like a puppy, frail that one couldn’t just abandon, and wanting to protect and dote on her. “A strong-willed girl like me cannot cure Yuki.” Shun says that it is mutual for isn’t she also not satisfied with Yuki because he is too nice, that she would want him to decrease it a bit. Saaya looks dark but she didn’t refute it. Shun asks why don’t they break up. Saaya says that she already told him before, this is their (two of them) decision. Shun exclaims what is the reason. Saaya says that she couldn’t say it. Shun angrily shouts that it is that again and it really puts him in a bad mood. “No matter what is the reason, for you to keep on forcing yourself to continue this on, it is really just meaningless!” Saaya shouts that it isn’t true and Shun couldn’t understand. “This isn’t about love, but rather, we mutually need [it/each other]! Geez, you shouldn’t meddle, this has nothing to do with you!” That made Shun frown then says that she is right, it has nothing to do with him. He tells her that it is to her advantage if he and Chitose went steady so Saaya shouldn’t be a hindrance and just support him. Saaya says that she understands. Just then, Kanata enters and happily exclaims that he is the third one there. He then notices that there is something with the mood between the two. Saaya turns around and says that she’s going home ahead of them. Kanata shouts to her that they will meet tomorrow at 4 o’clock for the celebration. Shun still looks serious and a bit flustered.

At a karaoke bar, Midoriko says a speech about everyone doing their best during the festival and today, they are going to eat and sing to the max so that they can refill their energy. Everyone, except for Saaya who isn’t there, claps in agreement. Kanata wants to order some food like beef ramen/noodles. Shun comments why it is all ramen in the menu. Midoriko tells Chitose that they go sing together. Midoriko then says that maybe they should wait for Saaya so that they [three of them] can sing together. She asks Yuki on generally around how long until Saaya will arrive. Yuki tells her that she emailed him that she will be there ‘in a moment’. Then, on cue, Saaya arrives. She apologizes for being late. Midoriko says that it is alright and they just started. Kanata asks what Saaya would want to drink. Yuki comments that Saaya looks pale. Saaya says that it is because she doesn’t feel well so she hesitated if she should go or not. This is why she is late. While she is happily saying that this is a rare celebration that is why she force herself to come, she suddenly becomes dizzy and faints then falls on the floor. Yuki goes to her and calls out her name. Saaya just mutters that she is fine and it is no big deal. Yuki quickly carries Saaya and apologizes to the others for he is bringing Saaya to the hospital. Everyone look surprise and worried. Then, Chitose and Shun exclaim that they will be going, too. Kanata tries to say that they will go, too but Shun tells him and Midoriko to wait there and they will just contact them afterwards. The others left the two speechless. Yuki hails down a taxi and tells the driver to go to the national medical university’s hospital. When Chitose arrives, the taxi had already left. Shun asks what happened. Chitose tells him that they rode on a taxi and she seems to have heard that they are going to some national medical university’s hospital. Shun says that they should go check it out.

At the hospital, they find Yuki sitting on one of the bench. They approach him and Shun asks him how Saaya is. Yuki says that she is currently being check up on. Someone asks why he chose that hospital when it is far away. Yuki tells them that the doctor whom Saaya usually consults and checks on her illness is there. This surprises the two. Shun asks what’s wrong with Saaya. Yuki says that right now, Saaya is healthy, should be very healthy but before, Saaya had a grave illness. Then, the doctor comes out. Yuuki inquires about Saaya. The doctor says that Saaya got a cold that made her unwell and added to that, she is a bit anemic. Temporarily, it is better for her to be check up on later by the gynecologist. The doctor tells Yuki to remind Saaya not to be picky about her food for she needs a lot of nutrition. He informs him that Saaya is currently resting and when she feels well, she can go home. Yuki thanks him and apologizes for calling on him suddenly. The doctor just waves goodbye and left. Inside the room, Saaya wakes up to find Yuki sitting near her bed on a chair. Saaya apologizes and says that she is alright now. She happily tells him that before, she felt dizzy when she stands up but she is really surprised that it became really serious like that and it is the first time that has happened. She sits up and calls out Yuki’s name who isn’t answering and he seems to be downcast. Yuki mutters that he thought that she had a relapse. Saaya looks surprised. She says that it is impossible since there is nothing abnormal with her regular check-ups. She then hugs Yuki and apologizes for making him worried. Just then, Chitose, with Shun who is behind her, opens the door and sees the two hugging.

So, it seems that Shun is interested in Saaya but since he cannot have her for some reasons that Saaya won’t say, he is going for Chitose as a second choice. These chapters made me think that Shun is also a no-good guy either because he seems to be just using Chitose. What he is telling Chitose can also be an advice for himself. Chitose is highly idealistic and a romanticist. So far, she can somewhat adapt to their unconventional ways of doing intimate things without really loving that person. I wonder if she will be like them later on. I hope not because I really like Chitose. Hm..for her to keep seeing those two being intimate, I think it is indeed a matter of time before she takes up Shun’s proposal. It is also verified that Yuki and Saaya has fallen out of love for each other or just going steady because of some agreement between the two. It makes one really curious as to what’s the real deal between them for them to keep that certain vow/agreement to that extent as if they are already married. I wonder if it is about Misaki making them promise to take care of each other when s/he’s gone for s/his sake. Maybe it is because of this and falling out of love, they allowed each other to go out with other persons as long as it isn’t serious. Hehe, I guess because they allow that, it is inevitable that they would soon fall for someone else – the one who is really their type. They sure are making things complicated. Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 for BW

Quote of the day:
He that blows the coals in quarrels that he has nothing to do with, has no right to complain if the sparks fly in his face. ~ Benjamin Franklin

Free Talk: KKwH News
Monday, May 3, 2010

I just learned that Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu will be made into an anime. Haha..it seems to be last months’ news ^^; And, it seems to be an OVA. Itō Kanae [藤かな恵] will voice Tsubaki while Namikawa Daisuke [浪川大辅] will voice Kyouta. According to Anime News Network, it be out with volume 9. Volume 9 will be out on June 25. About the summaries..hehe, will hopefully resume this month. Three chapters behind..if there are two chapters this month then five chapters behind. ^^;; Scan by amyangel19910323 for BW.

Stardust★Wink [Chapters 12-15]
Saturday, May 1, 2010

[Yes, finally finished...haha, around 18 pages ^^; These chapters are pretty much like an emotional rollercoaster. I like how things are turning out in this series..it is not just a simple love triangle story. Haha, I got too detailed with the dialogue since I really got into it. Well, happy reading and hope you don’t get an eyestrain =P Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 & Amyangel19910323 for BW and tongyanen &草莓defer for iieye.]

Chapter 12: At the roof, Anna tells her friends about what she heard from Mochiduki. Her friends ask if that means that they have the same feeling for each other. Princess congratulates Anna and asks her when she is going to confess. Anna says no, about that.. Ryuu tells her not to say that she plans on waiting for Hinata to be the one who’ll confess to her. Ryuu advises her to quickly confess and not to be complacent just because their feelings are mutual since it might not go smoothly. Anna exclaims that it isn’t that. She tells them that even if Mochiduki told her that Hinata said, ‘I’m basically not her prospective as a lover’, he didn’t mention her name. She always said that ‘a childhood friend isn’t her prospective lover’ but that doesn’t mean that they mutually like each other. Ryuu tells her to stop and just say what’s really in her heart. Pinching her face, Ryuu says that Anna is pretending to be modest because she feels that if she is overjoyed about the fact that Hinata likes her then it will make the others around her [like Mochiduki] unhappy. Anna is aghast that she apologizes. Ryuu tells her to now say what she truly feels. Anna blushes and asks if she can be happy about this. The school bell rings. Ryuu says that it is okay since she showed a more honest expression and Anna is the one who caused trouble herself by trying to fall for guys outside her circle. Princess agrees with her. As they head to class, Ryuu reminds Anna not to be overly happy that she forgot to study. Princess mentions about the continuation of the one-on-one interview [with the teacher] today. In class, Anna couldn’t stop smiling by herself because she’s too happy over the possibility that her feeling for Hinata is mutual. The truth is, she still couldn’t believe it and she wanted to confirm it. She wants to hear Hinata himself telling her that he likes her. Anna is giddy over her imagination that Hinata is confessing to her. Ryuu is just puzzled by her behavior.

Someone comes in and shouts that morning meeting is starting. A student asks Mari where that old ‘Shinrou’ is. Mari corrects her that it is ‘Shinoda’. She tells them that Shinoda-sensei got a cold and even if it isn’t contagious but to be sure, s/he took a leave [for today] and probably tomorrow, too in order to be sure. The students are rejoicing that they will just have self-study [language subject] and the interview will be extended. Mari tells the students to quiet down and even if they will have self-study, but as the vice-homeroom teacher, she will continue with the interviews. Anna thinks that it is too noisy. It doesn’t matter to her about that self-study or interview but then, she will be happy if it is just self-study. She thinks that right now, compared to that, she has an even more important problem/question in mind. Anna then looks surprised and asks Ryuu if Mari is their vice-homeroom teacher. Ryuu tells her that she better remember that. The school bell rings again. Ryuu tells Anna and Princess that she has an interview so they can go ahead. Anna asks won’t she be waiting too long and won’t it be boring if she’s alone. Ryuu says that it is alright since she is number two according to the register book. Princess says, then, they’ll go ahead. Princess tells Anna that she would want to go to the library first because her book is due. It is fine by Anna. At the library, they meet with Mochiduki. Mochiduki happily greets them and asks if they are going home. Princess tells her that she is going to return a book then afterwards, they are going home. Anna asks what about Mochiduki. Mochiduki tells them that she is just going to get some drawing books for data then she’ll head back to the club for an activity. While Mochiduki is at the book shelves, Princess asks if Mochiduki is together with Hinata in the art club. She comments that Mochiduki is really brave that she can still be in the same club with someone who rejected her. Anna tells her to speak softly. Princess asks if there are only the two of them in that club and if it is her, she absolutely will not go there anymore. She comments that Mochiduki is really strong. Anna says that rather than strong, Mochiduki is an active person [like pursue her goals] and if she is to be compared to Mochiduki, she is a good-for-nothing person. Princess asks, “Miss Good-for-Nothing, in the end, are you going to confess or aren’t you?” Flustered Anna says that she wants to confirm it before confessing. She is truly a good-for-nothing but she couldn’t just ask directly. “So, I decided to write a letter.”

In her room, she wrote a note, “To Hinata Who is the one you like? From Anna.” Anna thinks that it is too straightforward and she should rewrite it. The door suddenly opens and it is Sou who says that it is quite rare to see her studying. She quickly covers the note and exclaims what he is doing for suddenly barging in someone’s room like that. Sou tells her that he did knock the door. Sou asks her about the game he lent her. He wants to play it so he wants it back. Anna tells him that she hasn’t played it yet so could he lend it to her for a few more days. The note falls on the floor. Anna notices that Sou is looking on the floor. To her shock, he is looking at the note. She quickly picks it up and asks him if he has seen it. Sou says of course, he did even if it is for a glance and there is only one sentence in it. While Anna is totally stunned shock, Sou takes the paper and says that since that is the case, he’s going to confiscate it. Sou reads it while Anna tries to ask him to give it back. Anna is surprised when Sou tears the note into pieces. “You are forbidden to investigate into who Hinata likes.” Anna mutters that she couldn’t believe it. She grabs his shirt and angrily exclaims what he has done. Sou says that in any event, she’s going to throw it anyway. Anna exclaims that isn’t the question. “What do you mean by forbidden!? It has nothing to do with you..” Sou tells her that even if it is has nothing to do with him, it is still forbidden. “This is an order, you are absolutely not allowed to ask.” In school, while sweeping outside, Princess tells Anna that it has something to do with Sou. When Anna asks why, she asks if she has forgotten that Sou has confessed to her. Anna looks surprised then blushes. She says that even if she wants to, she couldn’t forget about it. Even if they went steady, they quickly broke up and right now, there is nothing.. Ryuu tells her that a break up is a break up but it doesn’t mean that if one breaks up, one doesn’t like the other anymore. It isn’t that simple.

Ryuu explains that the three of them are childhood friends and has been getting along with each other until now. It is natural for Anna to like Hinata and there is a possibility that he also likes her. Even if it doesn’t seem to concern Sou but she shouldn’t handle this in a way as if Sou doesn’t like her anymore. “I’m saying this in order for you to not think too much of yourself. You should at least properly think on how to progress your plan, right?” In the library, Anna sits while looking at the note with the words, “To Hinata” After remembering Sou saying ‘sure, no problem’ and the three of them together eating, she sadly says out loud that she should forget about confirming it. She is surprised when Mochiduki asks her what she meant by ‘forget about’ Anna backs away in shock. Mochiduki asks if she is alone today and if today is Anna’s interview day. Anna says that it is and she’s currently waiting for her turn. Anna happily asks that Mochiduki shouldn’t have an interview today. Mochiduki says yes and she is currently doing research then she’ll return to the club. Anna asks if today, too for wasn’t she doing that yesterday and could it be that she wasn’t able to find what she’s looking for. There is a silence that made Anna wonder if she asked something that shouldn’t be asked. Mochiduki laughs and says that it seems that it is a bit unnatural. Anna realizes that Mochiduki doesn’t want to go to the club activity. If she thinks about it carefully, the club adviser, Mari is doing interviews so she can only go to the club at a later time. Mochiduki doesn’t want to be alone with Hinata. “So, it seems that Mochiduki-classmate is still depressed but then, that is inevitable. If that is it, then why didn’t she just quit the club? Why would she specially..” Anna remembers Ryuu telling her that just because one breaks up, one doesn’t like the other anymore and it isn’t that simple. Anna slams the table and thinks that even if that happened, Mochiduki still wants to see him. Anna tells Mochiduki that she has thought of something that she has to do so she’ll go ahead. While running off, Anna thinks that regarding what Mochiduki told her at the park, what Mochiduki could be feeling/thinking then. “I, who am not involved, couldn’t have understood it. Even if I couldn’t understand, I won’t let her intention goes to waste. I should tell Hinata my feelings--”

Nearing the staircase, she is surprised to see Hinata. She exclaims that she thought he is in the art room. Hinata says that he has used up his art materials so he is looking for Sou to borrow some. Hinata asks if she has an interview. Anna says yes. Hinata wishes her luck then says goodbye. Anna exclaims that she has something to tell him. She then screams as she falls down on the floor. Hinata asks what she is doing. Anna says she tripped. Hinata pulls her up and asks what she wanted to tell him. Anna blushes as he holds her hand. Anna says that it is about the one she likes. Still holding her hand, Hinata leans closer to her and says, “Who, I want to know.” Then, a couple of girls see them. They start screaming about those two being an item. [I think since it is blurry-small] Anna says that it seems that they were misunderstood. Hinata says, ya. Anna says that she will now be questioned with, “Between Hinata and Sou, whom are you going steady with.” Hinata says yes and honestly, it doesn’t matter. Anna is flustered-surprise as she wonders it could mean that it doesn’t matter if it is misunderstood that she is going steady with him. Hinata says, “Setting that matter aside, let’s continue with the question earlier. Do you like someone?” Anna gulps and says, “The..the one I like is..” Unfortunately, they were interrupted by Mari who calls out to Anna that it is now her turn for the interview and wasn’t she suppose to wait at the library. Anna apologizes. Hinata just looks at Mari’s direction. Mari asks about Hinata’s club activity. Anna is surprised when Hinata suddenly let his hand go from holding Anna’s hand. Hinata tells Mari that he’ll go back to do it for he is going to borrow some art materials. Mari apologizes and says that she might be late in coming to the art room so he doesn’t have to wait for her. Hinata says, “No, I’ll wait.” Still holding her hand that Hinata abruptly let go, Anna thinks, “Suddenly, shook off my hand, I felt that I’ve understood the meaning of that action.” Mari tells Anna that they should go. Mari starts going upstairs. Remembering what Mochiduki said regarding what Hinata told her, Anna thinks, “Yes, I did say that ‘childhood friends aren’t prospective lovers’ but..” Anna mutters, “For teachers, students aren’t their prospective lovers, right? Are you thinking that?” Hinata looks at her in surprise. Mari calls out to Anna again so Anna just walks away from Hinata.

Chapter 13: This chapter marks the first year anniversary of the series ^^ Narration: “Even if I couldn’t shout it out loud..no, at least I should let it out of my chest..I THOUGHT THAT THE PERSON HINATA LIKES IS ME, BUT IN THE END, I REALIZED THAT IT IS TRULY JUST A MISUNDERSTANDING. I’M REALLY IN SHOCK RIGHT NOW! I’m really embarrassed..if there is a cave around, I really would want to go inside it..no, if there is a cave around, I’ll just go in, trip down and die..but” In the faculty room, looking at a form, Mari narrates Anna’s three choices of high school where she would want to go to. The first one is Seijo [星条], the second one is Harue [春榮] and the third is Higa..[ 東..] Mari says that Anna’s grades isn’t that good so what is the reason why she chose that third school. Anna is speechless and looks ‘ugh’ as she thinks that right now, she is being interviewed by the one Hinata truly likes. Looking away, Anna says, “That-- the reason..that is..” Mari leans toward her and asks if she can talk a bit louder. Anna then thinks that Mari smells something nice. “Is it shampoo? No, it should be perfume. It’s obviously summer yet she isn’t perspiring. Her skin looks fresh, cool and clean...in contrast to me. (She is sweaty from running out the library to where she found Hinata) Someone please come and kill me-!!! If that is impossible, at least, get me go home quick!” Anna is in anguish that Mari asks if something is bothering her and she can just tell her all about it. Anna darkly tells her no, there is no special reason and she just wrote it according to the sequence of the names of the high schools that she thinks she can enter so she really didn’t think about it. She said that, really fast because she hopes to end this interview quickly. Mari tells her not to deal with it that way and she should properly think about it. Anna thinks, “Deal with? It is indeed very ‘forced’ but this is the simplest way to choose, and how everyone determine [/fill up] their ‘aspiration*’ [forms].” [*what to do in the future after graduation/future studies] Mari asks Anna if she talked about her aspiration with Hinata for his aspiration is drawn up really well. Scowling, Anna thinks, “Ha? I won’t talk with Hinata about this and why is she mentioning about Hinata at this time? Is it to show [me] that their relationship is that good? Is it to show off to me? Uh oh, I really hate this woman now. I’m really a good-for-nothing but, I can no longer endure this!” Anna stands up and says that she understands, she’ll re-think about it so today, she’s going home first. Mari tries to tell her to wait but Anna has already left. She closes the door. A couple of guys pass by and talk about their recently ended interview. Anna is teary-eyed. She wipes her tears.

During swimming class, Anna’s friend exclaims that Anna isn’t the one Hinata likes. Anna lamely tells them that it is so. Princess says that it seems Anna is depressed. Ryuu says that she hasn’t heard Hinata said that himself so does he really like their teacher. Anna says that she hasn’t heard him say it but she knows. Princess says that it is better if she confirm it from Hinata himself. Princess tells Anna that maybe she is jumping into conclusion just like how Anna jumped into conclusion that Hinata likes her, too. Ryuu tells Princess to mind the way she is talking. Princess is surprised when Anna tells her to forget it, it doesn’t matter anymore because usually when she arrived at school, she is there before she knew it but today, this morning, it felt as if it’s a really long way to school that she couldn’t breathe. [As usual, she goes to school with her two friends.] “Before, I absolutely don’t have this kind of feeling. It would have been better if I didn’t involve this like[/love] feeling and everyone would just get along with each other.” Her friends just look at depressed Anna. Anna is surprised when Ryuu tells her to just give up. “Nobody is forcing you to like Hinata-kun. Since he doesn’t like you then, isn’t it better to just give up.” Princess asks Ryuu what she is angry about. Ryuu says that she isn’t angry and this isn’t bad. “Anyway, it will be term exam soon so isn’t it good for you to just concentrate on studying?” The teacher then blows the whistle at them and tells them to follow the rules on wearing a swimming cap. Anna wonders about giving up on liking Hinata. At the apartment, Sou is busy playing with his DS that he didn’t see where he is going. He ends up bumping on to a door. Anna sweatdrops. She asks Sou what he is doing there when the elevator door is already open. Sou greets her and mentions his surprise to see her. Anna tells him that it is very dangerous to walk while playing. Going in the elevator with Anna, Sou says that he recently bought this game that he wanted to play. “Lately, Hinata always has club activity so I’m quite free [/got nothing to do] while going home. This is what’s called as multi-tasking.” Anna mutters that is right because Mari doing the interviews has ended. Sou looks at her and asks, “Who, who is Mari?” Surprised, Anna exclaims that Kobayashi is that art club adviser. Sou says, “Ah- that person.” Anna continues to say, “Very cute, that teacher! There is also a nice smell from her body, and also, she is pretty..” Sou replies, “Really? I hate that person.” Anna is stunned-puzzled. Sou looks at her and says, “You should also hate her, right?” This surprises Anna. She denies it and says that she thinks that Mari is very cute. Sou just continues to walk away and says, “Ah-really-?” Anna is flustered by this. She thinks, “I think that she is very cute, really cute, but I don’t like her, and I also cannot like her. Even if I know that this is jealousy. She slams the door and lies down on the bed. “...very irritating, all very irritating..” She remembers Ryuu asking her to give up. “Yes, I should give up. It is very simple. I only need to pretend that all of this has never happened. If it is like that, even if Hinata likes sensei, it also doesn’t matter to me. I also won’t feel any kind of pain and everything will be just like before. Just like before” There is a scene of the three of them happily eating ice popsicles. “It will be alright, I can do this.”

The next day, Anna happily greets sleepy Hinata who is waiting outside the apartment. She says that it is a miracle [that he is there first]. Anna tells Hinata that Sou will definitely be late today because he has really submerge himself into that new game and he definitely played until it is almost morning before sleeping. Rubbing his eyes, Hinata says yes and so today, he did his best to wake up early. “We talked about an important matter halfway through. Who is the one whom you like?” Anna is surprised then goes into stunned-shock, after Hinata mentions Sou’s name when Sou has arrived. Sleepy Sou waves at them and greets them a good morning. He tells them not to mind him and just continue on with their conversation. Hinata says no and he’ll just continue that talk with Anna next time. Sou asks if he is being left out of something and it doesn’t make him happy. [I think Hinata is saying that he knows that feeling.] While the two guys are talking, Anna thinks, “Yes, it doesn’t matter even if Sou is here, I should just say it.” Anna puts on a smile and says, “I don’t like anyone. So regarding that thing, just forget about it. I’m sorry.” The guys look surprise. Hinata asks if that is so but why.. Anna says, “Because that person seems to like someone else, so I think that it doesn’t matter anymore..that’s all there is.” She turns around and prepares to leave. Hinata starts to stand up and says, “..but..” Sou looks serious and grabs Anna’s arm before she can leave. “Anna, turn around this way.” After a pause, Anna asks why. Sou shouts, “Enough, turn around!” He pulls her around and she is already flustered-teary-eyed. Sou mutters, “..are you an idiot?” He exclaims, “You’re crying, so don’t run away again!” Anna thinks, “I couldn’t breathe, it hurts..since I’m not the one whom Hinata likes, then I should give up. For me to be like this, is too appalling. But, Hinata who likes someone else won’t turn and look at me, and yet if I let it go, he won’t be aware of my feelings. What should I do..” Hinata looks surprised by all this. Sou is scowling while crying Anna says, “..shut up, what do you know~~~~” Sou mutters, “..I do not know..” He says that he didn’t know that she is this kind of person who lost her courage to like just because the one she likes, like someone else. Anna tells him not to say it so gently [easy-going manner]. Sou says, “Ah, is that so, then how about choosing me whom you can easily get? I can gently and considerately comfort you, stupid ojousama ♥” Anna is flustered and angry. She shouts, what, and isn’t he finished with what he is saying earlier when he doesn’t even know the person whom she likes. “Yet still..” She stops when she sees Sou just looking away with a serious look. She realizes that based on what Sou told her before that she ought to hate Mari, Sou already knows whom she likes.

Seeing Anna flustered and speechless, Sou turns around and starts walking. He says, “..then, the hindrance [himself] should first disappear [go ahead].” He stops walking when Anna says, “Not so, even if that is true, even if that is true, but it..it isn’t just Hinata whom I cherish..” Sou looks at her direction in surprise. Hinata then tells them that he totally doesn’t know what they are talking about and it feels as if he is cast at the side. Pointing at Anna, Sou screams, “That is! Anna is now going to announce as to who she likes.” Anna shouts, “Hey-!!! Were you listening to what I’ve said?! If you heard it, you should know what will happen if I said it!” Sou looks at her and says, that it is the same with him. [Ah, when he confessed before?] Anna is flustered as Sou urges her to say it. Hinata is totally puzzled. Anna looks at Hinata and calls out his name. Hinata says, yes. Anna then screams, “I like you! Even if you like Mari, I still like you! There I said it!” Blushing really red, Anna starts running away. Hinata looks totally stunned. Anna then turns around to look back. Sou notices this and smiles at her. While still running, Anna thinks, “Upon seeing Sou’s smiling face, my tears starts falling down again. Because I know, no matter which path I choose, we cannot go back once again to the past. Since we cannot go back, I’ll continue on holding to my feelings until the end. Even if I don’t know what will happen afterwards.” In school, Mochiduki notices a paper on the floor. It is Hinata’s aspiration form. She wonders if he has dropped it. The first choice is Azuma [東都] Art High School. Mochiduki asks Mari if there is such an Azuma Art High School. Mochiduki starts apologizing when Mari teases her about looking at the form without permission. Mari says that it is impossible for her not to let Mochiduki see it and it did so happen to fall down on the floor. Mari tells her that there is such a school. It is her alma mater but, it is a school that is outside of the county/city district.

Chapters 14-15: Walking at school, Anna lamely laughs that today is the release of their first term’s grades. Hinata asks didn’t she do her best during the midterm and term exams. Anna shouts that if one just works hard, then one can get high grades, then this world will definitely be more peaceful. Sou says that it seems that she said something that shouldn’t be said. Hinata sighs and says that Anna is too impulsive for she should become depressed after she has seen her grades. Anna exclaims that she doesn’t want to be depressed. Anna narrates that after shouting her confession to Hinata, even if there is some awkwardness, things ended into how they get along like before. And, before she knew it, it is already the closing ceremony. “Even if I had confessed, I had refused to hear his answer..” Flashback: Holding one of her ear and motioning him to stop, Anna told Hinata, “The answer (I already know it so,) no, thank you! Please let’s treat each other the same as usual!” End flashback. And so, starting tomorrow, it is summer vacation. After school that day, at the corridor near the window, Mochiduki apologizes to Anna regarding Hinata because she’s meddlesome. Anna says that it is alright. She tells Mochiduki not to mention about it anymore and the reason [for it] isn’t because she is rejected by Hinata. After a pause, Mochiduki replies, “But, I still think that there is no other girl who can win Hinata except for you.” Anna tries to insist that there is. Mochiduki exclaims, “What I’m saying is true! Because Tokura–kun..” They were interrupted when Mari happily butts in and asks what it is about, a love problem. Anna quickly backs away from Mari as Mochiduki greets Mari. Mari tells them that while walking at the corridor, she saw them talking so she came over and she heard about their love stories. Emitting dark energy, Anna glares at Mari as she thinks that she truly couldn’t tell Mochiduki that the person whom Hinata likes is that teacher whom Mochiduki is currently being friendly and getting along with. “She’s mature, beautiful, and also cute. I don’t even have one of her strong points..” She is shock-aghast when Mari suddenly turns around and smiles at her. Mari asks if Anna also has someone whom she likes. “And, the one you like is Tokura-kun, right?” Anna is totally stunned that Mari thinks that she is right. Mochiduki exclaims if her voice is too loud that they were overheard by Mari. Mari says no, but rather she is quite sharp regarding these things. “After all, I also guessed right as to whom you liked, right? Koshiro, have you already confessed? Just like how Mochiduki had gathered up her courage to do so.” Shaking in anger, Anna thinks, “Mature, beautiful and cute, but I couldn’t point it out what this person has that really infuriates me..” Seeing Anna like that, Mochiduki quickly changes the topic and tells Mari to help her open the art room because there are things that she wanted to put in since it will be summer vacation already. Mari says, okay. Mochiduki exclaims that they should go right away. Mochiduki bids Anna goodbye and see her in the next term. Anna is still thinking, “‘Have you confessed?’, you’re really meddling, slow-witted woman! Speaking of that, why is she citing Mochiduki-classmate as an example?! She should know that Mochiduki-classmate’s confession has been rejected by Hinata, right? I totally have no idea what she’s thinking. Darn, if it is Mochiduki-classmate whom Hinata likes then I can just let this go [/give up], but..I don’t want Hinata to be taken away by that kind of person! I will fight!”

While walking home alone, Anna thinks that since it is summer vacation, surely, Hinata won’t be able to see Mari. She figures that this is her opportunity to fill the gap that Mari has left. She wonders how to do it. “When I think about it, I don’t even know what type of girl Hinata likes..” She turns at the corner and becomes surprised to see Hinata walking ahead of her. She shouts his name that Hinata turns around to see her. Running to him, Anna asks what about club activity. Hinata says that there is no club today. Anna exclaims, “Is that so! Lucky ♪” Hinata asks what she is so happy about, are her grades good. Looking away, Anna says that question is a bit.. Hinata just says, is that so. Anna then gets an email on her phone from Mochiduki. “I’m really sorry that our conversation has stopped midway (>_<); I want to tell you that no matter who Tokura-kun likes, with regards to Tokura-kun, you are someone special. That is definitely the reason [/meaning of] why Tokura-kun doesn’t go to the art club’s practice every morning.” Anna is surprised as she mutters, “Morning practice?” She didn’t know that the art club has one and it is surprising that there is one. Hinata says that there isn’t one. Anna says but Mochiduki mentioned about it. After a while, Hinata seems to have remembered and says that the morning practice is studying for an [entrance] exam. He tells her that Mari said that they should also practice during the morning since they plan to enter an art [specialized] high school so they should properly practice drawing. Hinata is surprised when Anna screams, “Ah, what, art specialization?! There’s such a high school? Then, Hinata is going to that kind of high school?” Hinata tells her that there is only a small quota of students being accepted by the school so the competition is quite intense and he doesn’t know if he can pass the test or not. Anna can only say ‘is that so’, but she is really surprised to learn about this. She thinks that there is no way she can pass the entrance exam of that kind of school even if she doesn’t think that they can go into a same high school. Her thoughts are interrupted when Hinata calls her name. Anna starts laughing and exclaims that it is quite hard that drawing is part of the entrance exam. Hinata tells her that there are also normal questions. Anna shouts in surprise, “Really?! Then, it is doubly hard!” While slapping Hinata’s back hard, “But, is it alright for you to ditch morning practice? You should go to the practice before the deadline [of the entrance exams].” Anna is stunned when Hinata glares at her then turns around to walk ahead. He says that it is nothing, he can just practice at home.

Anna goes after him and asks if he is angry. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hit you that hard..” Hinata says that he isn’t angry. Anna nervously thinks that he is indeed angry. “What did I do wrong that made him angry? Does he hate morning practice that much? Why? But in the art room..[there is Mari]” She is surprised when Hinata stops and turns around towards her to say, “What you said is the same as what sensei and my parents said.” Anna looks blank and asks, ha? Hinata tells her, “Because I’ve decided that every morning I will still keep on going to school together with you and Sou. Going to school together!” Hinata exhales and pouts as he walks away. Anna thinks that he actually said that twice. “Compared to spending his mornings with sensei, he chose to the time for us three to be together. I’m very happy. Even if I’m very happy..but being like this is too headstrong, to go as far, as to want all of him [for myself].” Hinata is surprised when Anna grabs the back of his shirt. When he faces her, she exclaims, “What did you like about sensei?” Hinata asks, huh? Anna asks, “What type of girl do you like? Older? Tall? Feminine?” Hinata looks really nervous-aghast that he quickly runs away. Anna tries to call him to stop but Sou who is already standing beside her, asks, “Hey, hey, what does Anna like about Hinata? Hair that is like a cat’s? Always zoning out? What type of guy do you like?” Anna gloomily calls his name and asks when he arrived. Sou tells her that the more guys are forced, the more that they want to run away like how she wants to run away a moment ago. Anna tells him that she already has nothing to run away from and she isn’t hiding anything. Anna exclaims, “This summer, I’m going to do my best to shorten the distance between me and Hinata!” Sou replies, “Ah, really- Then, I’ll also do my best to shorten my distance with you.” Anna blankly asks it is okay even if he doesn’t do his best and there is also the [entrance] test.. Sou says, “Hey you..” He thinks that Anna deliberately changed the subject when she asks him if he has heard that Hinata is trying to get in an art high school. Trying to be happy about it, she says that it is the first time she heard that there is such a school and it seems that there is none near their apartment. “How much time does one need to go to that school?” She is puzzled when Sou didn’t reply. She is surprised when Sou asks, “Could it be that you have not heard about it yet?” Anna asks, heard what. Sou somewhat nervously tells her to ask the details from Hinata about this. While Sou is walking away, Anna wonders what Sou meant by that. “Forget it, it’s okay, I’ll just ask Hinata tomorrow--”

The next day, Anna’s alarm clock is ringing. She turns off the alarm and sees that it is already 12 o’clock. She thinks that she has to wake up even if it summer break but still, she is quite tired. Someone sits on her bed and says, “Good morning, honey ♥ Did you sleep well?” It is Mashiro. Anna screams really loud then exclaims why he is here and what’s going on. She asks if her mother asked him to be her tutor again but then, she already going to take some lectures in a cram school this summer. Mashiro says that isn’t it and he is going to go back to Tokyo after this. “Because during this summer break, Hinata will be staying over at my apartment, so I came to pick him up. But, I don’t know why but there is no one home at Tokura’s. Do you know where he went?” Anna says that she doesn’t know. She asks why Hinata would be living with him. Mashiro tells her that during summer break, Hinata will be going to an art cram school in Tokyo. “Wasn’t Hinata going to enter at an art school in Tokyo?” At room 301, Nagase residence, Sou looks at his phone and thinks that it is now three minutes. He can now eat his instant noodles. Just as he is about to eat, the door slams open and Anna calls out his name. Sou reprimands Anna about suddenly barging into other people’s house since she really shocked him. Anna exclaims, “Is it true that Hinata is going to Tokyo?!” Sou asks if she has asked Hinata himself. Anna tells him that she has heard it from Mashiro. Sou asks why Mashiro is here. Mashiro just sheepishly says that there is this and that. He asks Sou if he knows where Hinata is. Sou tells Mashiro that Hinata told him that he’s going to ride the Shinkansen and he just left. Mashiro is totally shock by this. He asks Sou to quickly give him Hinata’s phone number. While eating, Sou tells him that Hinata doesn’t have a cellphone. Still in shock Anna asks if it is true and Sou knows all about this. Anna becomes sad since they don’t hide secrets from each other. Mashiro pats Anna’s head and says, “Okay, come with me to Tokyo, Anna ♥” Anna blankly asks, what? Mashiro says that since Hinata already rode the shinkansen, then he should quickly return to Tokyo. “Weren’t you and Sou also on a summer break?” Anna says it isn’t that but why does she have to go. Mashiro asks doesn’t she want to quickly know the truth from Hinata’s own mouth. “If that is so~~~~then let us go--♪” They are now in Mashiro’s car. Anna tells him that she doesn’t have any money. Mashiro assures them that he will handle all of the expenses and the lodging at his apartment is also free. Anna says that isn’t the main point but rather, they haven’t told their parents about it. Mashiro says that it is fine, Anna’s mother really likes him and he’ll just call her parents as well as Sou’s later on, on the phone. Sou says that he’ll be fine and even if he lived for 2-3 days outside his house, no one would notice anyway. He then sees something at the side mirror chasing after them. Crying Beni shouts to Sou that she wants to go, too. Sou shouts at her not to run that fast while wearing high heels. Still crying, Beni continues to shout for them to bring her along. Anna tells Mashiro that Beni wants to go with them. Mashiro, Beni’s coldhearted brother, says that maybe Anna heard wrong and she is just imagining things. “Let us hurry--” Broom broom, the car goes faster. Beni can only shout, “Wah--!!! Brother, you jerk! I’m going to tell mom about this! Don’t come back here again!”

At some building, Hinata sits on the steps leading to the door as he ‘watches people passing by. He is surprised when someone calls out to him. It is Mashiro who comes out of his car. Mashiro says that it is a good thing that Hinata is there for he doesn’t know what to do if Hinata is lost. Masaya asks him if Hinata’s mother didn’t tell him that he is going to pick him up. Hinata replies that he hasn’t heard about it. It seems that Hinata’s mother didn’t tell him. Mashiro decides to drop the subject because after all, Hinata had arrived safely. Hinata says, “Compared to that, it seems that I’m seeing Sou and Anna..” Sou greets him while Anna is just looking away. At Mashiro’s apartment, Mashiro asks who is the one getting the last slice of pizza and it will be him. (Answering his own question) Sou asks Mashiro if he is really living in such a place since it is so luxurious and he’s really a ‘young master’. While eating his pizza, Mashiro asks, really for a lot of people in the university drives a foreign car whereas he only drives a locally made car because he feels conscientious about it. A note says that Mashiro is studying in medicine at a private university. Sou sweatdrops and doesn’t quite believe that Mashiro is conscientious. While Hinata is looking at Anna who is eating quietly, Mashiro says that since they’ve finished eating, he is going out because the truth is there is no four beds [in his place] but no worries, since there are places where a popular guy can stay. Sou says that no one is worried at all. He asks if there is a convenient store nearby because he has to buy something. Mashiro says there is so why don’t they go out together. Before going, Sou whispers to Hinata to honestly explain to Anna about that aspiration stuff. After they left, Anna promptly stands up and says that her mother wants her to call so she’s going out first. Anna goes out to the balcony. Hinata thinks that she did that deliberately. At the balcony, Anna is wondering how she is going to ask Hinata about the truth of everything. She is surprised when Hinata calls out her name as he joins her at the balcony. He apologizes to her for not telling her about that aspiration stuff. Anna looks somewhat sad/in the verge of tears but she just shakes her head. Hinata explains that it is because he is always hesitating and his parents also objected at the start. Anna looks at him and asks, “Have you already decided? Going to a school in Tokyo?” After a pause, Hinata says if he is able to pass [the entrance exam]. Anna is teary-eyed. She thinks, “Because I’m not a lover, so there is no vow. Because I’m not a family member, so there is also no blood relation. We are only just neighbors. Even if it is like that, I also feel that compared to others, I’m special, but even this little bit will also disappear. Then that is how I and Hinata..” Hinata looks surprised when Anna forces herself to smile and says, “..really, if it’s Hinata, of course you’ll pass. Gambatte.” The next scene is, Anna is no longer at the balcony. Hinata’s expression isn’t shown.

The next day, while Mashiro is washing something at the sink, he learns from Sou and Anna that they are going back. He tells them that he couldn’t drive them today because he has something to do. Sou says that it is alright, they will just ride the Shinkansen. He asks where Hinata is. Holding up a bento box, Mashiro exclaims that he already went to the art cram school when he [Mashiro] even made a bento [which he rarely does]. Sou is stunned that he asks why. Mashiro says that Hinata’s mother also made him as the one who’ll supervise Hinata’s nutrition. Mashiro tosses the bento box to Anna and tells them to bring it to Hinata while they are on their way. At Nakatani [中谷] Art Cram school, Hinata is sitting in a room alone. Someone comes in and asks if it is the first time he came there. At first it will be hard but the teachers there are really good so he can just relax and study there. “Tokura-kun will definitely have no problems.” Hinata didn’t reply. The person asks what’s up. Hinata says that he thinks that he should think about this a bit more. The other person asks, “What? Didn’t you really like to draw? Don’t you want to become better at it? ..I think that there is nothing to hesitate about.” Hinata didn’t reply again. The other person who turns out to be Mari who says, “Then, it cannot be helped. I’ll give you a spell to cheer you up.” Inside the art cram school, while looking for the room, Sou asks if this is really the place where Hinata is going to do his cram studies. “It feels very cold here. Will it really be alright?” Anna is lost in thought then she bumps into Sou. She shouts that it hurts. While telling Sou not to suddenly stop walking, she looks in the room to see what Sou is looking at. Inside the room, Mari seems to be talking to Hinata and touches his face. She then leans and gives him a kiss on the lips. Flashback: Hinata told Anna before, “Do you mean that if you can kiss me, it is also possible that you’ll also like me? Wrong, you’re really an idiot, Anna.” Mari smiles and says, “Have you cheered up?” Hinata looks blank-sad. Then, they look at the door since they heard something dropped and probably sounds of people running off. Only a bento box is left by the door on the floor. Mari says that someone was there and were they seen. Hinata says he doesn’t know. Just then a man comes in and calls out to Hinata. He apologizes for making Hinata wait and they can start now. The man then says that Mari also came. Mari says yes, she only showed up [?]. [I’m not sure where Hinata is looking if it is Mari and the man or at the door.] Then, he puts the back of his hand on his lips. [Is it to wipe the kiss off?]

In the streets, Sou and Anna stop as they are breathing hard from running. Thoughts are racing through Anna’s mind. “What was that? Just now.. Why is sensei there? They kissed right? Why? Hinata obviously said that he isn’t a prospective lover of the one he likes. And also, sensei is obviously supporting Mochiduki-classmate’s love [for Hinata]. I totally don’t understand, WHY..” Teary-eyed, Anna mutters, “Are Hinata and sensei going steady..” Irritated Sou asks, “Ha?” This surprises Anna. Sou continues, “You are really amazing. Your brain is really empty* Isn’t it developed yet?” [*idiom for vast flat land] Anna angrily shouts then what does he think of it. [Can’t quite read but it is something about grades so probably since Sou’s grades are good, maybe he has a better explanation] Sou tells her that Mari seems like she is around 24-25 years old. “A woman at that age, even if money isn’t considered, won’t be serious with some brat who doesn’t know anything about marriage.” [Cannot make sense of the other thing that Sou mentioned about how it could be possible if it’s guy-girl something.] After a pause, Anna then asks, why [would Mari do that]. Sou says that he doesn’t know and it shouldn’t have any special meaning to it. “But then, what Hinata thinks of that woman is all together another matter.” Anna starts walking back. Sou asks where she is going. Anna shouts back that she is going to see Mari. “I cannot go back like this!” Later on, Mari is walking at the streets. Her phone rings. She happily talks on the phone about it has been a long time, she is currently in Tokyo and she’ll return tomorrow. “Yes, I’m still working, after all, I’m a teacher (laugh). Let me say, if you have time..” She is surprised when someone grabs her and pulls her to an alley. She is surprised to see scowling Sou and Anna. Mari asks why they are there and are they on a trip [= sight-seeing]. Sou asks, “Do we look like we are on a trip? At this alley?” Mari giggles and says that is true, it doesn’t seem like it. Sou angrily thinks what’s so funny. Anna says that they were waiting for her. Mari looks surprised when Anna asks, “What is your relationship with Hinata? We saw that, a while ago..you and Hinata kissed.” Sou and Anna are surprised when Mari starts laughing and exclaims, “What! So, those people a while ago were you guys! It isn’t about having a relationship or not, that is just a ‘cheering up spell’ because it seems that Tokura-kun is really distressed. Regarding students, no matter who it is, I can do that, even if it is Koshiro or even Nagase-kun ♥” Anna looks surprised as she thinks, “What? This person..‘spell’? What does she mean that she can do that to any student, as if it is nothing?” Mari happily says, “Do you understand? So, it doesn’t mean that only Tokura-kun is special. Even if I’m saying it like this, I feel apologetic towards Tokura-kun.” Anna looks at her in disbelief while Sou somewhat lowers his head. Anna asks, “What did you mean by that?” Mari looks somewhat surprised as Anna thinks, “Could it, Could it be that this person..”

Mari replies, “Didn’t I mention it before? My sense for these kinds of things is very sharp.” To Mari’s surprise, this made Anna blow her top off. “This is too bewildering! Do you even know what you are saying?! Even if you already know Hinata’s feelings, yet you still did that?! And didn’t you even encourage Mochiduki-classmate to confess? Even if you already know that she will be rejected, you still encouraged her?!” After recovering from the surprise of Anna’s outburst, Mari smiles and tells Anna to calm down. Holding Anna’s arms, Mari says, “Regarding Mochiduki, I think that it is a waste for her to be always be secretly in love. Anna, you guys, perhaps might not still understand but to be rejected isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Even if at that time, it is very painful but it can become a very good experience. It might even make one stronger. So..” With her head down, Anna thinks, “Don’t say anymore. I don’t want to hear about it.” Someone says, “Quit talking about that personal theory of yours, old hag.” Anna and Mari look at Sou who continues to say, “I feel like puking.” Shocked, Mari exclaims, “Ah, Nagase-kun! Unexpectedly calling a teacher an old hag..” Sou says, “Ah ah, sorry, fundamentally, you are a teacher, Right, sensei~~~” Then, Sou kicks the wall and somewhat corners Mari. He continues, “If you want to play with a younger guy, I can keep you company~~~ Can you please not seduce Hinata again? *putting on his best fake smile* Or else, I’ll beat you up even if you are an old hag.” Holding his hand to Anna, Sou says, “Okay, that’s all.” Mari tries to call Anna to wait. Anna holds Sou’s hand and looks angry at Mari before they walk away. Later on, at Mashiro’s place, Mashiro tells Hinata to give him the bento box so that he can wash it. Hinata is clueless about what bento box he is referring to. Mashiro says that he asked Anna and Sou to bring it to him. “Could it be that you didn’t get it?!” Hinata says, yeah. While continuing to wash the dishes, Mashiro complains what’s with those two and, weren’t they able to find the place. He says that it isn’t easy to copy Hinata’s mother’s super cute bento box [Not too sure about that line ^^;]. Hinata thinks out loud, “Speaking of that, the cram school teacher seems to say about not knowing as to who drop a bento box by the corridor..” He then realizes who it was. Riding at the Shinkansen, Sou seems to be resting-sleeping while Anna is just looking out the window. Anna then says out loud that Hinata will be in Tokyo throughout summer. “This year, the three of us cannot go together and watch the fireworks display...” Remembering Mashiro telling her about Hinata planning to go to an art high school in Tokyo, she thinks, “‘This year’, it won’t be limited to this year only.”

The scene changes to Anna’s mother who looks irritated. In Anna’s room, she tells Anna that she is a bit happy that Anna has been studying always ever since the start of the summer vacation. “But, you should study more cheerfully!” Looking somewhat depressed, Anna asks why it should matter for isn’t she studying. Her mother shouts that this isn’t about ‘just doing it and it’s fine’. “Basically, after summer training is over, you’re always cooped up in the house! At least go out and breathe some fresh air, right?! If this keeps up, your body won’t be strong until the exams!” Anna thinks as to who is the one who made her to keep on studying. Her mother exclaims if she will be going to the fireworks display today. Anna says that it isn’t definite that she will be going. Her mother sighs and tells Anna that she had prepared her yukata and she will be putting it on the bed. Anna is surprised that her mother isn’t listening to her. She looks at the yukata where Coco is sitting nearby. She thinks that fireworks display is.. Ding dong. She is surprised to see Sou and Hinata coming to get her. Sou says that Anna is too slow and hasn’t she dressed up yet. Coco happily jumps to Hinata. At some fenced place, they watch the fireworks. Anna mentions that Hinata came. Hinata says that he just arrived and there are classes again [school opening] on the day after tomorrow. Anna says, really. Hinata looks at the fireworks and says, and, he wants to see the fireworks today. Anna looks surprised at him. Sou complains that it is hot and he would want to drink something. They played jakenpon as to who will buy the drinks. Paper-paper-stone and Sou lost. Anna happily says that she wants water while Hinata says that he wants tea. After Sou left, Anna laughs and says that Sou is so stupid because until now, Sou still couldn’t change that habit of his of always start with a ‘stone’ during the game. Hinata smiles at her then asks about the progress of her studies. Anna is aghast by that question. She tells him that she really did her best to the point that her mother is bothered that she is always staying at home. Hinata laughs and asks if that is true. Anna sighs and says, ya that no matter what she does, her mother is still angry. She then asks Hinata about his art cram studies. Hinata laughs and says that it is really fun and everyone is really good that he feels that he is the most inferior of them all. Anna couldn’t believe it. Hinata says that even if he is frustrated, he is still happy since he is always trying to find ways on how to draw better. Anna looks surprised-sad when Hinata somewhat happily says that for the first time, he thinks that sleep is a waste [of time] even if he is really tired. Anna just lamely says, really. Hinata looks at her and says, “Anna, the day when you return here, did you go to the [art] cram school?” Anna looks shocked. Then, she says if he is talking about that bringing bento box to him which Mashiro asked them to. “But because Hinata and Kobayashi-sensei..in the classroom..did you and sensei arranged to meet each other?” Hinata looks down which somewhat flustered Anna. She wonders why he is silent about this. Anna says, “...about that thing..let it be..that person originally doesn’t even like you! That person said that the kiss she gave you is just a spell. If it is a student, no matter who it is, she can do it. Isn’t that really weird?! That person is just playing around with your feelings! Do you really like that person? Why don’t you wake yourself up!” More fireworks light up the sky. After some silence, Hinata says, “Ya..I think you are right. But, I’m..always been awake. I didn’t arrange to meet with that person, she only came to see her boyfriend. Perhaps that lecturer at the cram class is her boyfriend. Seeing me is just for her convenience.” Anna looks surprised as she thinks, “During this short period of not seeing you, you had grown taller [/grew up] again. It is as if you are not like the Hinata that I used to know.” Hinata tells her, “Because I’m kissed, that person will also like me. I do not have such a wild wish [like that]. You are really an idiot, Anna.” Afterwards, Sou returned and asks where Anna is. While his face isn’t shown, Hinata says that Anna left. Sou asks why and how Hinata could let her go by herself since it is dangerous. Face still not shown, Hinata just says, “Ya..I’m sorry..” Anna is walking away alone, crying. Narration: “The summer break when I was 14 years old, during the traditional fireworks display..this is the last time I ever talked with Hinata during my junior high.”

Just when I thought everything will be alright, everything ends this way and it seems that she is going to lose a friend. Is the author trying to show that things change as we grow? Well, Anna’s wish for them to be always be together forever is quite naive in a way. Reality is harsh. Just when I thought this series is all about love triangle between childhood friends, it is becoming like a story of growing up and separating from your childhood friends as they find their own paths. Maybe a more mature love life at the side, too. I also wondered if this series is going to be a long one. Anna’s last narration seems to imply that there might be a high school arc. If not, junior high won’t be the same without Hinata. Well, it is now Sou who is caught in between even if he now has a chance with Anna. I can really empathize with Anna. It really sucks to be the last one to know. It’s like you thought you are close with someone then everyone else knows about it already and you don’t. Everything is happening so fast that it can really be draining emotionally. It probably suck up all her ‘liveliness’ throughout summer that her mother seems to be somewhat bothered by it. Unfortunately, her mother thinks that Anna will be okay if she goes out. I’m really hoping that the reason why Anna is naive/clueless and everything because the author will show how she will become mature because of all of this. Ironically, that is exactly what Mari is telling Anna about ‘pain/rejection’ can give experience and become stronger. What Mari is doing wrong because she is forcing it. It is really mean to ‘play around’ with her students’ feelings in the guise that it will help them grow. Geez, I wonder if she somehow brainwashed Hinata and took advantage of the fact that he likes her. She did use Mochiduki’s trust in her as a confidant to teach Mochiduki ‘the pain of rejection’ and grow from it. I wonder how Mochiduki will react if she learns about this. Even after Sou shouted at her, it seems that Mari still think that she didn’t do anything wrong. I like what Sou did here even if it is disrespectful to the elders. Well, Mari is playing around with his best friend’s feelings and rubbing salt on the wounds of the girl he likes by trying to justify the things she is doing so Sou has had enough. He is fiercely loyal to his friends and well, probably since his family is always not at home, they are the only ones he has aside from his games. =P

Even if I’m somewhat assuming that Hinata likes Mari is a sure thing but there are times when I wonder if he really likes her or well, I’m wishfully thinking that he actually likes Anna but he just doesn’t want to be a hindrance to Sou so he is going for Mari or infatuated with her and decides to leave to Tokyo because he doesn’t want to see and be in love with Anna. ^^; Is his hesitance to go because of wanting to be with his friends or just Anna? He also got angry at Anna because he wanted to spend his morning with them instead of art class with Mari. I’m wondering if he is waiting for Anna to tell him not to go and he won’t. As a friend, Anna is also in a pinch whether to cheer for him to do his best in something he is talented in or be selfish and want him to be with her and Sou always. She seems to be opting for the former that is resulting to some friction with Hinata. Is he thinking that she is ‘driving him away’ or he feels that it is okay for her if he isn’t with them? And, he really does sound mature at the last part because it seems to be that he still likes Mari even if she already has a boyfriend. He isn’t swayed by kisses and believes that it doesn’t automatically mean that it is ‘like/love’. Hinata did mention this before but Anna who is somewhat used to being pampered, this is really harsh. I’m also guessing that for innocent Anna, this is something she couldn’t reconcile about kissing without feelings of love, as if it isn’t something special or a big deal. No wonder she feels that he isn’t the Hinata she knows. He has lost his innocence..probably thanks to Mari. On a side note, it is a pleasant surprise that Mashiro made an appearance again. Hehe, he really likes to bully his sister. It makes me wonder why he dotes on Anna more compared to his own sister. Mashiro really cares for Anna with all the things he is doing for her. Is it because he grew up with them? I hope to see more of him ^^

Word of the day:
To face life's changes, look to the unchanging God. ~ Our Daily Bread

Skip Beat! [Chapter 157]
Friday, April 30, 2010

Well, as nomnom tagged, the raws are out in baidu and there is also a speedy English scanlation based on it already out, too. It turns out that the spoiler is pretty much correct in some ways. In brief, Setsuka decides to buy a set of demonic clothes with hopes that Cain will dissuade her from buying it. She underestimated Cain’s ‘spoiling of his sister’ because to her shock, he is willing to buy that 700,000 yen outfit. After some pouting and ‘I don’t really want to buy it’, Cain just buys her some pants and clothes to ‘cover her’. Well, for Kyouko, it is to move easier so she’s happy about it. Setsuka goes into shock again when Cain bought her 10 pairs of the pants which costs 18,000 yen each. Outside the shop, Kyouko wants him to return them for she only needs one pair. Cain then puts on some puppy face which Setsuka couldn’t resist from saying no to. Lol. That’s a good one, Ren. He even throws in a line about doing this is making him happy. To counter it, Setsuka also puts on a cutie face and says how about two. She also puts in a line that she will be happy with whatever he buys for her. Cain bargains that they just get three. Setsuka insists on two. So, Cain puts on his puppy eyes expression again and in the end, Setsuka has succumbed to it. =P Hehe, Ren doesn’t like losing, right? While Ren goes to return some of the pants, Kyouko thinks that it seems like she is spoiling him. She becomes giddy with excitement as she wants to do more of this since she is seeing different expressions of Ren, she feels like spoiling him, and she is curious how he’ll reaction to whatever she says and do. It is just like when she acted as Kuon. I think Ren is having fun, too =P Then, some punk guys try to hit on her by asking her to have fun with them. Setsuka accepts their offer to go out but then, that is if they can get her brother’s permission. Cain who has already returned is glaring at them. And, we will have to wait until June 5th to see how Cain beats them to a pulp..I mean deal with them. Scans by chinglan1987.

PS. Yes, I’m stalling for time. I’m off schedule so I guess it is impossible to finish 12 chapters in 2 weeks ^^;;

Quote of the day:
The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart. ~ Helen Keller

Ouran High Host Club [Chapter 80]
Thursday, April 29, 2010

This chapter is really nice ^^ In brief, everyone planned to get Tamaki to meet his mother. I think Honey even got the second residence staff to help them. At first, Haruhi isn’t inclined to go with them because she feels that she is just going to drag them down but Mori and Hikaru told her otherwise. With that, Haruhi becomes determined and went. They go in. The Doberman are easily thwarted by Mori =P Animals love him. Then Mori-Honey did a stunt. Mori carries Haruhi then with Honey’s support, they crash in the window just when Tamaki is telling grandma that even if he knows his mother is in the country, he wants to be with her. After Tamaki freaks out over this, Haruhi tells him that they are going to see his mother. Tamaki tries to say that he doesn’t plan on seeing her. Haruhi pinches his face really hard about his lying mouth and to quit hiding things in his heart. She shouts for him to say what he feels and for her, she thinks that Tamaki, his father and grandmother are all idiots. Teary-eyed, she tells him that they should all just say things honestly and this has nothing to do with being rich or being family. Tamaki mutters that he really wants to see his mother whom he hasn’t seen for three years. To their surprise, grandmother tells Tamaki to go and he can just return to play more music for her. Tamaki tries to say that it is too late but the twins arrive with a helicopter. Since it can only carry four passengers, the twins and the couple are the ones who ride in it.

It seems that there is some problems on the way but fortunately, the other students have heard about Tamaki’s dilemma and everyone came to help. After all the offers, etc that they are somewhat quarrelling, Tamaki seems to recovered to his cheerful-determined self. He seems to have made a plan on the best way to go about it. They left and Tamaki is holding Haruhi to him. ^^ He’s smiling. Before they leave the twin’s boat, Tamaki hug the twins and exclaim their like for each other with tears. Lol Then, Kyouya takes over as he and his men bring them to the airport. Tamaki is holding Haruhi’s hand ^^ So, at 11:55, they arrive at the airport. Tamaki runs while still holding Haruhi’s hand and finally meets with his mother. ^^ Soon, they are all watching as the plane flies away. Haruhi thinks that she wants to tell Tamaki that if they haven’t met, there would still be a lot of feelings that she won’t know about. While still holding hands, Haruhi says, “Tamaki-sempai, I like you.” Next chapter will be on July 24. I’m not quite sure if that will be the last chapter or the start of the last arc. Just wait for the English scanlation for details. And yes, this series is definitely ending since all of the problems are pretty much solved. Scans from 天下第一肉丸子制作组

Quote of the day:
Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting. ~ Elizabeth Bibesco

Free Talk: Coming soon---- + Skip Beat 157 spoiler
Tuesday, April 27, 2010

I will TRY to update these series within two weeks. Hehe, that will be like 12 chapters in total; 4 chapters each. ^^; *splat like the one in the picture* And, there are still a lot of catching up with some other series. Haha..good luck to me. Out of curiosity, to those who read these series, do you want to read it by 1.)chapter/s as I finish, or 2.) all chapters of a series in one entry at once?

nomnom informed me that a spoiler is out in baidu that is from 2ch. So, according to 大豆最高, Kyouko was able to think of an ancient way on how youngsters would act spoiled/throw a tantrum. Acting spoiled or not, isn’t the main point. The main point seems to be the importance of buying the clothes in order for the girl to be securely bundled up. After looking at the spoiler in detail, it seems to be saying that the brother is acting spoiled because the spoiled other party which is actually the younger sister, thinks that she’s cute and indecisive. [Sorry, I don’t quite get it either] Later on, confronting Ren about acting, Kyouko thinks that how she acts a youngster is like from ancient times. In the end, the sister finds an opportunity to strike a conversation but there is no way to make her happy [or they bump into somebody]. Setsuka bring out a killer weapon and says[?] at the other side, as far as I’m concerned, the most important person in that place is allowed to/will do in that side. Cain-ani looks really unsightly. (which had made the ignorant passer-by start praying. [Edit: It turns out Cain is making an ugly face because he is jealous and angry that someone talked with Setsuka.] so I hope that the next chapter will leave all of this). That’s it. Without the raws and just this spoiler, it doesn’t seem to be an interesting chapter and ya, no lovey-dovey. Hehe, I’m pretty confused there, too as to what is happening ^^; I might just do a proper one when I see the raws/Chinese scans if those came ahead of the English scanlation.

Faster Than A Kiss [Chapter 33]
Monday, April 26, 2010

Cover: Dressed up as part of the oendan [Japanese cheering squad] group, Kazuma winks. “No matter when, I’m your exclusive oendan ♥” The tag on his arm says ‘Love wife’. Fumino has a dreamy look. [Scans blurry and I think] She thinks that after a year, they had a ‘glass’ kiss and even if the feeling isn’t the same as when they kissed with a mask before, but this time, it is really sweet that makes her heart aflutter. She then gets hit by a glass[?] that Ken is holding. Ken apologizes and says that it is because she is standing there where she might get hit. While holding her face, Fumino tells him that it is alright and thanks to him that she snapped out of it [I think, still blurry here ^^;] It is Sports’ Day tomorrow. Kazuma tells the students that after arranging the tables and chairs, they are dismissed. Fumino looks at Kazuma and thinks that she couldn’t easily switch between ‘student’ and ‘wife’. [Not sure about this but] Kazuma laughs and apologizes to Fumino that he heard her and she thinks that no wonder he heard/knows since that is typical of him. To Fumino’s shock, her female classmates toss Kazuma out of the room and shout that he cannot stay in this territory anymore. Fumino explains that in their school, on Sports’ Day, there are four competing teams, which consist of the first years, second years, third years and the teachers. Kazuma cries and says that they are so mean. Sayo shouts what he is saying for they had not forgotten what happened before during the cavalry battle/kibasen* wherein Kazuma has easily grabbed the headbands of everyone unopposed until the end. [*traditional Japanese game which involves 4 players on each side, with 3 people (horse) carrying a rider on top. The teams would charge at each other, with the riders attempting to remove the hat (or headband) of the opposition rider and thus defeating the team according to this site] Kazuma tries to say that it is just a coincidence but Sayo doesn’t believe him because they got the winning prize two years in a row. Sayo/Ken exclaims that this year, they are going to win. Fumino thinks that even if she is Kazuma’s wife, she still wants to get the prize on her own. One of the reasons is the ‘prize’.

That night, Fumino and Teppei dressed up in oendan uniforms as their cosplay for Kazuma. Teppei asks about the ‘gift certificate’. Fumino tells her that if Kazuma’s team wins, they will just use it all up by drinking the whole night. [I cannot read the rest, too small text] At the kitchen, Kazuma tells her that isn’t nice to hear. He says, “This is a very solemn and serious competition! Ah- but..if there is a cute oendan [cheerleader] then I’ll can strive harder--” This made Fumino blush that she pushes Kazuma away and exclaims, “Go--away!” Kazuma starts crying and says that Fumino is also mean. Teppei tries to comfort Kazuma. Fumino apologizes to him as she explains that she is still perplex that she couldn’t forget about their anniversary date so at school, she is always lost in thought. Kazuma giggles and says that she’s quite frank. Blushing, Fumino tells him that this is right timing since he will be her opponent on Sports Day so tomorrow, as opponents, he shouldn’t come close to her. She shouts that she’s going to take a bath. Kazuma laughs and says, yes, yes with that degree of separation is also good for him. Teppei asks him what he meant by that. Kazuma says that it is a secret. While bathing, Fumino thinks that the Sports day is a good distraction for her. “My goal is to make the third year team win this competition and also, the gift certificate!” On Sports Day, Fumino give it her all in all the competitions with thoughts of diminishing the living expense to lighten Kazuma’s burden [with the gift certificate]. Her friends are really thrilled as they praised that Fumino is really strong. Fumino looks at the score tally board. First year = 150, Second year = 210, Third year = 280 and Teachers = 300. Fumino thinks that it is a tight competition. She is surprised when someone calls, “Bu-chan”. She happily turns around to see Teppei but didn’t expect that Shoma is the one carrying him. She asks if Teppei is alone and why is Shoma wearing an all-white uniform. At the background, girls are squealing at Shoma. Shoma says that she/the girls are too noisy. He tells her that it is because he went on a sick leave so in the end, he is just assigned to be the third year’s oendan squad leader.

Fumino takes Teppei from Shoma and says that she thought he is going to object [to becoming a squad leader]. She smiles and says that it’s quite good for she thinks that this kind of leadership might be useful to him in the future. “It’s really great, really cool.” Shoma somewhat blushes as he also remembers that smile when she is drunk and tried to give him some fruit. Shoma turns around and says that is true. Fumino turns around to let Meg know about this but it seems that she already knows since awestruck Meg is taking pictures of him. The camera can take 100 pictures per second. With hearts all around, Meg happily says that Shoma is awesome. Fumino agrees with her that he is cool. Kazuma who is standing nearby has overheard this. The scene changes to a scavenger hunt race. Students run in the track and grab a paper to find something that they have to find/do before they can continue on running. Ryuu then joins Fumino and others. He apologizes that he got borrowed when the condition is to bring a ‘gentleman’. Fumino perks up when Kazuma goes to them and asks for their help. He is to princess carry a third year high school student. Fumino is thinking that they shouldn’t be near each other but to her surprise, Kazuma asks Meg if he can borrow her since he cannot ask a troublesome person. Meg happily says okay. Kazuma happily thanks Meg for the big help. Fumino screams that Meg couldn’t do that since he is their opponent. Kazuma smiles and apologizes to Fumino. Carrying Meg, he says that he’s leaving now. Everyone is blushing as Kazuma carries off with Meg. Ryuu seems to be looking at Fumino’s reaction. The male students exclaim that there is a benefit for being a teacher. The female students wonder if that is Ojiro-sensei and he carries Meg so lightly. “Don’t you think that he’s very cool?” Shoma just looks on while Fumino is very displeased. She thinks that she knows that she is the one who said ‘you are not allowed to go near me’..so for this to happen shouldn’t matter to her. Then, there is a scene of Shoma in an oendan competition. Later on, Kazuma is in the storage room. He is looking as to where he put the headbands he prepared. He notices someone pulling the back of his jacket. He looks then smiles. He asks what’s up. Fumino says it is nothing. Kazuma tells her that they might be found out and he couldn’t come near her. Blushing Fumino says that right now, there are no people there and it doesn’t matter since she is the one who went to him. She feels that she is childish but she doesn’t care if he hates her for being like this. Kazuma gently smiles and says, “Such a headstrong wife..”

Just then a guy shouts for the others to go behind that storage room. Kazuma and Fumino managed to hide quickly so they weren’t discovered. Some other guys ask their sempai as to why they are unexpectedly called there since they were currently competing with the third years in an oendan contest. The sempai tells them to listen to him first. The second year student tells the others that if this continues, the first year couldn’t get the winning prize. He suggests that in the last competition which is the kibasen, they should work with the second years then they’ll split the prize. Kazuma and Fumino are surprised to hear this secret conversation. They say that the points are high if one gets the headband of the oendan squad leader. They will just focus on the third years which can enable the second years to win. This is the best way to win compared to anything else. The first years agreed and their target is third year’s Ojiro Shoma. They are to cause a ruckus that won’t easily be noticed. The second years tell the first years to get the help of the staff. Soon, they all run off. Fumino is angry that Kazuma is holding her back when she wanted to confront those guys. Kazuma asks her where she is going because she will just get into trouble. Fumino exclaims what he is saying for Shoma is going to be attacked so why isn’t he anxious about it. Kazuma smiles and tells her that Shoma isn’t that weak and if the third years are out of the way, then the teacher team can win this. Fumino is angry-shock over this. She promptly kicks Kazuma away in the stomach and shouts that she’s disappointed with him. While running away, flustered Fumino shouts that she has forgotten that Kazuma is an opponent and he can go ahead and be infatuated with those girls shrieking at him. Holding his stomach, Kazuma mutters that they weren’t shrieking at him. He then sighs and looks serious. “If something happens, of course I’ll protect him.”

Fumino goes to inform Shoma who is getting ready. Shoma tells her not to mind it because this is a rare opportunity to duel against his brother and she shouldn’t sow discord. Fumino grabs Shoma’s arm when he is leaving. She exclaims if he’ll leave things like that and will he be alright. Shoma blushes that she holds him that he quickly pulls his arm up from her to let him go. “Do not casually touch me.” Shoma walks away. Some students ask if they have seen that. Some girls say that it serves Fumino right since she is too intimate with Shoma-sama. Fumino is furious as she thinks, “These two brothers are really..” She then angrily looks at the students who were whispering. They quickly turn around and leave. “Geez--I don’t care anymore!” And so, the main event, the all-men kibasen, is starting. “Winning for two consecutive years, will the [teachers’ team] strength be shown through and through? And against the teacher’s team is the closely behind third year’s team. There is also the first and second year team. If these two get the oendan squad leader’s headband, they will have the opportunity to turn over the results.” Everyone is cheering while Fumino is still in a bad mood. And the game starts-- Shoma and others are surprised when the first and second years run towards their direction. The opponents shout that their aim is the third year’s squad- Before they knew it, Kazuma has already snatched their headbands. Kazuma laughs and says that their opponents aren’t the third years only. Someone exclaims that the teachers’ team is fast. While Kazuma’s victims are screaming, Fumino wonders if Kazuma is using this method to protect Shoma. She goes back to a jealous bad mood since she overheard some girls exclaiming that Kazuma is really cool. She hopes that everything will just quickly end peacefully. The announcer tells the groups whose headband is taken away to please drop down and leave the area. “The teachers’ team is leading, can anyone change this situation—“ Then, Shoma goes head on with Kazuma. It is a one-on-one fight. Kazuma comments that Shoma’s strength has become stronger. Shoma exclaims that is inevitable because he is no longer a kid. Determined Kazuma tells him that he will absolutely not lose. Shoma comments that Kazuma pretends to be a weakling but when forced, he can just easily pull his strength out. Kazuma is puzzled [or playing dumb].

While Meg is busy cheering and the others watching anxiously, Teppei notices something on the floor. Teppei picks up a baseball and tells Fumino that he found it on the floor. He says that if someone steps on it, that person will trip. Fumino replies that he is right for if someone trips, it will be trag-- She goes into shock upon seeing someone throwing a pail full of baseballs into the competition area. Fumino quickly lies down on the floor to prevent the balls from rolling away. Unfortunately, she missed one. She tries to grab the ball but she got stepped on by one of the kibasen groups. Kazuma quickly looks towards Fumino’s direction after hearing her shout that it hurts. He can only see a lot of fighting kibasen groups. Shoma shouts as to where Kazuma is looking for they haven’t determined the winner yet. To his surprise, Kazuma says he is right. Kazuma gives Shoma his headband. He smiles and says, “I lost.” Narration: “Shoma, one day you will also find [it].” Fumino is holding her hand while shouting that it hurts that she cannot quite see clearly. She looks up and to her shock, she sees a group of boys falling on her. She screams and closes her eyes. When she opens them again, she is surprised to see Kazuma holding her up. Kazuma exclaims that it’s great that he caught her in a nick of time. Narration: “Anything that is cannot be replaced..is something like a treasure.” Fumino is blushing and nervous since Kazuma is carrying her ala princess. Kazuma asks if she is alright. Blushing and embarrassed, Fumino thanks him and asks him to please put her down. Everyone, including Shoma and Ken, is looking at them and some are blushing a bit [over Fumino’s expression]. Kazuma’s face isn’t shown [= not happy]. He seems to have weakened as he puts Fumino down. Fumino thanks him. Kazuma says, “The truth is..I didn’t expect you to be heavier than Dalton-classmate..” Everyone is shock while Fumino is shock-furious. Soon, Fumino sends a Kazuma-rocket flying high up in the sky. =P The announcer says that while Kazuma is fluttering in the sky, the competition is now concluded.

So, on that bustling Sports Day, the third years manage to reverse the situation and get the winning prize. And in the end— At the clinic, Kazuma asks how her injured hand is. Fumino angrily glares at him and says, “Ah?” She grumpily looks away and shouts, “What do you care about my swelling hand! Why don’t you just go dance with that girl as lighter than a swallow!” Kazuma timidly apologizes to her. The smiling nurse-teacher seems to tell them that she will be going to the festivities [bonfire] outside. Kazuma nods in acknowledgement. Kazuma tells Fumino that there is a reason for it and it is all her fault. Flustered Fumino exclaims, “Ha! What did you say.. Hmph!” Ka-pow, Fumino kicks him again. Thinking that Kazuma is working hard [dealing with Fumino], the doctor who heard the ruckus just dismisses it and walks away. In the clinic, Kazuma holds Fumino [to the wall near the window?] and says, “It’s because while I’m carrying you, you have such a cute expression..I don’t want everyone to see it!” Blushing Fumino exclaims, “And, that isn’t my fault..let..let me go! Until we reach home, we are opponents..” With a serious look, Kazuma replies, “No, I won’t listen to you. You only have to think about [things regarding] me and it’s enough [for you] to be perplex because of me..” After a pause, still flustered Fumino exclaims that he’s a disappointing teacher. Kazuma smiles and says, “But you like it, right? Just say that you like me then I’ll let you go.” Fumino angrily says, “..I won’t say it!” [Cannot read the rest, too small ^^;] Narration: “No matter when..this passion will forever and ever not dissipate even for half a minute. Gradually melting my heart and body, wanting to become one with you..” On the second day, Kazuma is holding his waist in pain while walking at the hallway. He thinks that his butt where Fumino kicked him still hurts. The other students think that it is Kazuma’s waist that hurts and Fumino is really heavy. Fumino is a bit flustered or suppress her laugh that they didn’t know the truth. And so, Ojiro’s heat gradually subsided.

Hehe, it turns out that Kazuma is pretty much at the limit of his endurance, patience or whatever. Unlike Fumino, he manages to somehow hide it by acting goofy. He also tries to tease Fumino in the hopes that she’ll send him off lying, far far away from her. Maybe those kicks are also to make him snap out of it from wanting to have her =P Hehe, but then Kazuma isn’t that young anymore that those kicks are standing to hurt him. Or maybe, as ‘superman’ that is Kazuma’s kryptonite. Nah, maybe it is just a manga joke that even if he jump off a cliff or hit by a vehicle, he is fine but not when his wife ‘beats’ him up. Hehe, else he is just pretending to be fine so that she won’t worry about him. Fumino is doing a good job too in doing something else to distract her from that really romantic anniversary date but then, it pretty much infuriates her that others are beginning to notice Kazuma as a cool guy. Hehe, these two pretty much have a healthy jealousy going between them. So far, it hasn’t gone overboard yet thanks to every lovey-dovey that happens after their love quarrels to make them know their true feelings for each other ^^ Apparently, even Shoma has some after effects of Fumino’s drunk advances on him. Is it good that Fumino has no recollection of it? She might unwittingly be too nice to him which she is doing in this chapter that might make him fall for her more. Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 for BW.

Quote of the day:
There is no remedy for love but to love more. ~ Henry David Thoreau

Kaichou wa Maid-sama! [Chapter 49] Teaser
Saturday, April 24, 2010

Raws are available in Yuukuzuri’s blog.This is yuu_Chan, right? ^^ Partial pictures are available in 鏡花水月’s blog Her title says that it’s sweet and lovey-dovey. If you scroll down wangachong has translated a part of it. It isn’t too smooth but I hope you get the general idea since it is in the latter part and I don’t know the context of the chapter ^^; Here goes:

After some talk about being unconsciously being bad for doing it and diary/blog thing, they kissed. Well, just see the raws and wait for the English scanlation since I don’t quite understand what’s going on ^^; Well, it seems to be about writing some diary/blog..ah fan service for the customers? But the rest, I have no idea. ^^;; Edit: According to yuu_Chan, Misaki is asked to make her blog entries for the cafe's site a bit more girlie and interesting.

PS. From checking the link in Yuukuzuri’s blog, it seems that a lot of people are buying shoujo magazines these days. Some raws can be expected from freesiane’s blog. There are also some raws + summaries in ankemaybe’s blog. Ah, her Strobe Edge 32 summary is pretty good. Maybe, I should drop that series, too and yay, Andou might not end up with her. ^^

Koibana! Koiseyo Hanabi [Chapters 53-55]
Saturday, April 24, 2010

And so, Chikai turns around to see who is the other guest whom Hanabi invited. It turns out to be the school’s headmaster/principal who happily greets Hanabi while carrying a bouquet of flowers. While everyone else is exclaiming at how she could invite him, Kareshi says that there is no rule that they couldn’t invite teachers. Chikai isn’t amused at all. He somewhat lowers his head and mutters, “What, it’s just the headmaster. How boring.” The headmaster asks Chikai isn’t he too cruel to say, how boring. Chikai just tells him not to cry [about it]. Hanabi continues to blush while looking at him. She wonders what this euphoric feeling she feels. Atsumi then offers her two plump guests to some curry with rice. They happily praised Atsumi’s curry that its sweetness and the spiciness are balance that it can make one want to have some more. Atsumi gladly offers them more. The two look at Atsumi’s smiling face and it made them blush. While the two are eating gregariously, the other male guests begin to envy them and think that curry seems to be really delicious. It made the other female student-hosts angry. =P A narration says that the era of just hooking a guy with a ‘skillfully done meat-potato stew’ is long gone. Masato tells Kareshi that all of the dishes are delicious. His friend tells Masato that he has hooked up with a good wife. Shinichi tells Mii that her roasted fish cake is really delicious and she is a real master of making exquisite food. The other guest couldn’t even eat it. ^^; Mii says that it’s quite hard [tough to eat]. Meanwhile, Hanabi is currently under attacked by ‘euphoric feelings’ [from thinking that Chikai seems to be jealous a while ago]. Her food consists of chicken drumsticks, soup with a doodle made of cream [Cleo for Chikai and the headmaster’s face for the headmaster] and some other entree which seems to be some hors d'oeuvre/appetizers. Flustered Hanabi happily asks, “How’s the taste! Is it salty? Is it bland? Ah, there is still a lot of soup which I’m keeping warm at that side!” She stops when Chikai looks at her and tells her that she’s too HIGH and she should quiet down a bit and let them eat. Hanabi did quiet down as she thinks, “But! You were the one who made me this happy! --Doesn’t he know? No..even if he knows, it’s the same because he is that kind of person. Because..it will be White Day soon.” She remembers him telling her that there is now a small distance between them.

The smiling headmaster tells Chikai that this is a rare invitation and shouldn’t he act more nicely. To the headmaster’s shock, Chikai tells him that he refuses. The headmaster slams his hand on the table and stands up. He tells Chikai, “A girl took the initiative to invite a guy to this kind of reception so else could it mean that you are sitting here right now..and moreover, Hanabi’s reaction and her feelings towards you is so blatantly obvious!” This made Hanabi embarrassed as she thinks what this ‘uncle/ojisan’ is saying. While calling out to the headmaster, the others are now looking at their direction. The headmaster continues, “If you are already aware of her feelings, then what is the implication that you are sitting here?!” Unfazed, Chikai replies, “To eat.” Hanabi’s reaction seems like ‘I knew it’. The headmaster is exasperated that Chikai is hungry to that degree and even if one must endure hunger in life, one must also continue to strive to keep living on. [Is he talking about dieting? ^^;] Blushing Hanabi just looks at emotionless Chikai as she wonders in her head about the headmaster’s question as to what is the implication that Chikai sitting there. Later on, the reception is finished and the girls are cleaning up. Hanabi and others talk with each other that generally, the reception went smoothly and the guys’ reaction is pretty good. Hanabi then notices that Atsumi isn’t around. At the hallway, Atsumi is talking with her two guests who confessed to her that they have fallen for her. Atsumi is surprised by this. They tell her that her cooking is really delicious and her smiling face is really awesome like Ebisu [according to wiki, a Japanese god of fishermen, good luck, and workingmen, as well as the guardian of the health of small children; not sure if it is a good compliment ^^;]. “We...came to lilili..like Fukuoka-classmate at the same time! Which one do you like?! Please choose one [of us]!” The two then exclaim if she would want to two-time them. This freaks Atsumi out that she shouts, no. “I..already have someone I like!” The two are shock over this unexpected defeat. They exclaim, “..who..who is it?!” Later on, at the back of school, the two guys face Sasa. Sasa asks who they are. The two guys ask if he knows Atsumi. They tell him that her cooking is awesome and her smiling face is like Ebisu. “We ask you!” Pointing towards Sasa, they ask, “What do you think of that girl?!” After a pause, Sasa says, “..Atsumi..she..is a very important person to me.” At the kitchen, Hanabi sees Atsumi looking tense that she asks her what happened. To Hanabi’s surprise, Atsumi tells her that those two guys, Shirotori-kun and Sotome-kun confessed to her.

While walking home at the secret path, Chikai tells Hanabi that he didn’t imagine that it would the headmaster. Hanabi tells him that it is because she is alright if it’s in front of an ojisan. He then asks her why she is alright in front of him. Hanabi blushes as she looks at him. She thinks that he wanted her to say it [= she likes him]. Hanabi says that she isn’t sure and maybe he is actually an ojisan. Chikai hits her on the head. Chikai says that is such a laid-back statement. “Is it alright? Would it all futile on White Day if you are like that?” Hanabi looks at him. Chikai says, “Forget it, for things to reach up to now, even if you’ll have to for wait a few more days, it is also meaningless. I’ll give you my answer.” Hanabi says, ah? Chikai says, “I’ll publicly announcement my answer--” Hanabi is freaking out while telling him to stop but Chikai is already sounding off the drum roll ‘dumdumdumdum..’. Tense Hanabi covers her ears and closes her eyes while waiting for the answer. She thinks what he meant by futile, does it mean that she won’t do. “No, but, because he is Uno Chikai! So, it’s totally possible that he’s deliberately teasing me! If it is really like that, then this is nothing..no..in the end, [it/I] won’t do..ah..wah! stop..no matter which one is the outcome, I’m not prepared yet!” She is surprised when Chikai pulls her to him to kiss her. And, yes, they kissed. Hanabi is blushing and everything then suddenly, she feels ill that she pushes him away. Chikai is visibly displeased when Hanabi covers her mouth and exclaims, “..how..how disgusting..” Hanabi thinks that a ‘kiss’ means ‘yes’. “That Uno Chikai..obviously said yes to me..-but- ” Chikai looks surprised to see her teary-eyed while still holding her lips. Chikai tells her that they should go home. He walks her home. The next day, he fetches her from her house. Chikai turns toward her to talk with her but Hanabi looks cross-eyed, nervous, and disgusted. A note says that Hanabi’s perspective [view] has become fuzzy part 2. Chikai just quietly looks at her that Hanabi quickly looks away and asks what it is. She couldn’t dare to look at him because on his face, there are lips.

Sitting in the classroom, Chikai touches Soutarou’s chin and asks, “Is your kissing skill really excellent?” Soutarou asks why he would ask that all of a sudden. With sparkles behind him, Soutarou asks, “..do you want to try it? Come here..” Chikai then tells him to quit it. At the hallway, Atsumi’s two admirers tell her that they are going to give up. This surprises Atsumi. She exclaims that’s too fast though she doesn’t really care. She is aghast when they told her that after they learned of her feelings, they went to see Sasa and interrogated him. They plan to do things in accordance to Sasa’s answer. Even if it leads to a duel/fight, they won’t hesitate and with that in mind, they called out Sasa and chose to meet behind the school. Atsumi is totally aghast as she exclaims, “Duel?! You guys and Sasa-kun? What are you guys thinking?! Let me say..geez! What are you guys thinking?!” To Atsumi’s shock, they didn’t answer her question. They just tells her that in the end, they are going to give up. “It is something that we couldn’t involve in since Fukuoka-classmate and Sasa-kun’s feelings are mutual.” Atsumi is shocked that she can only mutter, “---ah..?” The two guys, with imaginary wings, cry, “Sniff. Congratulates to you two! We plan to simply do our very best in becoming cupids for the two of you.” At section 1-L, the two girls can only stare out the window over this new development of their love life. Koibana looks pale-shock while Atsumi is also shock as if what the two said hasn’t sunk in yet. Their two friends wonder what happened to those two that makes one unable to talk with them. Hanabi sighs sadly while Atsumi is laughing. Hanabi cries about she started to have that tendency again. Atsumi happily exclaims, “That’s right, surely, it is that! No wonder it’s Sasa-kun!” She waves to the others that she’ll go out for a while. The others are puzzled as Atsumi left. Mii then asks Hanabi what’s starting. Atsumi is running around and finally finds Sasa at the open hallway. She calls out to him and tells him that she heard that Shirotori and Sotome called him out. Atsumi bows and apologizes to him. “And also, thank you! Because of you, it seems that they are going to give up. I should really thank you for answering them well.” She remembers the two guys telling her that Sasa told them that she is an important person to him. She is somewhat embarrassed as she continues to tell Sasa, “..but, also I’m sorry..for making you say such strange things..” She is surprised when Sasa smiles and says, “That isn’t a lie.” Narration: “My wish has finally become a reality.”

At Hanabi’s home, Minato [older sis] exclaims her puzzlement as to why Hanabi is in her house clothes. Lying down in the sofa, irritated Hanabi says that obviously she doesn’t have any plans to go out today. She tells her sister to move because she cannot see the television. Minato exclaims in astonishment that Hanabi had a date on Valentines’ Day but there is no date on White Day so that is really depressing. “Ah, I know! You got dumped?!” Hanabi angrily protests that isn’t so, for she obviously got a ‘yes’. When Minato mentions, ‘yes?’, Hanabi remembers the kiss and cringes in disgust over it. Her sister asks what happened. Hanabi is flustered that she unexpectedly said ‘it’s disgusting’ and surely, Chikai is absolutely unhappy about it. “Surely, he doesn’t want to date with a girl like that. When I obviously felt that my wish has finally come true and I’m very happy but why, right now, I have something which I’m disgusted with Uno Chikai..but Uno Chikai..but Uno Chikai he..” At the doghouse, Nanpa thinks, “—Hanabi..I like to eat anything sweet. If something salty is added, that sweet thing would become even sweeter. That is what obasan is saying lately. It’s very true! It’s really bewildering! Right, Hanabi.” Nanpa then sits up to see Chikai, carrying Cleo, coming to the house. “But, Hanabi..no matter what, saltiness is just to bring about sweetness. So, if there is a lot of it, won’t the taste totally change? If the proportion of saltiness and sweetness isn’t right, then it won’t taste good right? Humans are so troublesome!” Nanpa shows his chew toy to Cleo and says that he is going to let her see it. Cleo assumes that he is giving it to her. Cleo starts barking that she got a gift from Nanpa. Nanpa exclaims that he is just letting her see it. While Chikai is bending down near the dogs, Anzu happily calls out to him. Chikai recognizes her says that it’s Hanabi’s younger sister. This made Anzu blush. Anzu asks him if he would want her to call Hana-ane. [Ugh, sorry if I made a mistake with the suffix. Ane is sis while nii is bro.] He says, ‘ah’ then takes something from his bag. He puts a ribbon on her hair and says, “There’s no need. But..I would want you to help me.”

Anzu goes in the house and starts calling for Hanabi as Hana-ane. Hanabi isn’t too happy that she is calling her ‘Hana’. She asks what it is. Anzu gives her a small gift box. Hanabi goes back to lying down the sofa and asks if it is toffee/caramel candy. She says that it isn’t bad and did Anzu receive that. Anzu exclaims, “No! this is for Hana-ane! It’s from Chikai-niisan!” That made Hanabi’s eyes wide open. She quickly runs to the door but Chikai is gone. Nanpa is barking about his chew toy being stolen. Holding the gift, Hanabi thinks that Chikai only came to give that to her since he didn’t come in to see her. Hanabi sadly comes back to the house. Anzu asks her what she is doing and if it is okay for her not to chase after him. With sparkles in her eyes, Anzu exclaims, “Even if I don’t know what happened, but to sum it up, I firmly believe that Chikai-niisan is my brother-in-law!” This flustered surprised Hanabi. She then notices the ribbon on Anzu’s hair which is the same as the ribbon on her gift. She then exclaims why it is the same ribbon. Chikai is walking with Cleo. Cleo is happy that she got a White Day gift from Nanpa. It is only then that Chikai notices that Cleo is biting something. Cleo ‘asks’ if he noticed it only now. Chikai asks if it Nanpa’s and she probably got it when he isn’t paying attention. Cleo wonders about this and ‘asks’ weren’t he always paying attention to her. Hanabi thinks that they unexpectedly missed seeing each other just like the time when they are total strangers. Hanabi is depressed because White Day is a day wherein everyone can definitely be happy. She tells Nanpa, “Why did he give me a White day box? Ah, this isn’t the time to be naive like this.” She opens the box and it is a box of salt caramel candies. She unwraps one and eats it. Teary-eyed and flustered, Hanabi mutters, “It’s salty-sweet..” Nanpa asks, “Hanabi..is it a bit too salty?”

In Masato’s house, Masato gives Kareshi a small bag of marshmallows. Anyway, Kareshi thanks him. Masato tells her that he would want to give her handmade ones but he isn’t too confident that he can make sweets. He says that sweets are his family’s favorite. Then, it is shown that Masato’s living room is huge [probably the size of Kareshi’s house]. A maid/housekeeper calls to Masato as ‘young master’ and tells him that she has brought some tea. Masato thanks Inoue. While Inoue is serving the tea, Kareshi apologizes for always bothering her. [= being polite] Inoue says that it is no trouble and it’s good that they still have some of that precious red tea which the master had brought back from India. After tea is served, Kareshi tells Masato that his house is totally different from her house. Masato says that she’s right because he doesn’t have any siblings so it is very boring. A bit flustered Kareshi tells her that isn’t what she meant. Masato just looks at her. Crying ala fountain, blushing Shinichi tells Mii to not get angry today, as well as not to strike or hit him. Mii says that since it is White Day, she’ll let him off this time. They are holding hands while walking in the greenhouse-park, where there are exotic plants. It seems that Shinichi got a huge polka-dot stuffed toy in a bag. In the shopping mall, Sasa is walking when his phone rings. He answers it. His caller asks where he is. Soon, Shirotori and Sotome meet with Sasa. They ask him as to what he is doing and is he still shopping. “Today is White Day!” Sasa says that he knows. They exclaim if that is so then is he going to buy a gift for Atsumi. Sasa says he’s shopping. Surprised, they ask him why he is hanging around there for, he should quickly go to Atsumi’s place [to give the gift]. They push Sasa and shout for him to go and he should know Atsumi’s place. “If you like her, it is but natural that you know where she lives! If you don’t have the courage, we will go with you.”

Sasa tells them that there is no need for that. “I’m very happy for your thoughtfulness, but..” Then, someone shouts, “Hey—don't bully Sasa-kun--” Atsumi pushes the two guys away from Sasa. The two tells her that they aren’t bullying him but because it is White Day that they want to be cupids. Flustered Atsumi remembers Sasa telling her that it isn’t a lie and she is embarrassed that she replied that he really empathizes with his friend/s. [= something like don’t want to hurt her feelings so he’s saying that] End flashback. Atsumi tells the two what they are talking about cupids. “You guys have misunderstood. It isn’t like that! Sasa-kun only thinks of me as a friend..” Sasa interrupts by saying, “If you want to ask ‘[if we are] only ordinary friends’, I also feel that it isn’t like that.” Atsumi looks surprised as she looks at serious-looking Sasa. Just then, Sasa looks at the side and sees the Hanabi’s boss, Gen. Holding the candies, Hanabi thinks, “Obviously, [only] ‘like’ won’t do...” Nanpa seems to want some of it but Hanabi exclaims that he can’t. “Other things shouldn’t matter at all. Quickly give me some loving.” She takes her cellphone and writes a message to Chikai. Chikai’s cellphone rings. Chikai is surprised to learn who it is. Ding-dong. Chikai opens the door and it is Yukine who smiles and says, “I’m very sorry for suddenly calling you.” Hanabi sends her message of thanks for the candy Chikai brought.

Ah..dream becomes reality..finally so it’s really too good to be true for Hanabi and Atsumi. Unfortunately for Hanabi, it seems like an irony or tragedy or both because it turns out that the kiss she really wants is something that will turn her off from Chikai. ^^; I’m still wondering if it is only the kiss that bothers her though or it is everything Chikai. Well, a small thing can really bother a person especially since it is the lips that she’ll always see when she looks at Chikai. Surprisingly, Chikai seems to be quite calm throughout this. He may be displeased and his ego took a beating since Hanabi looked as if she just kissed a frog but he seems somewhat patient throughout this that he isn’t forcibly mentioning about it or anything. Hehe, I think even if he doesn’t seem to express his emotions much but what others do and say do affect him. For example, it does seem that everything that Hanabi is doing for him doesn’t mean anything to him but it actually does. I guess it is the same with the headmaster. He may claim that it is just to eat there but after what the headmaster said, he told her his answer ahead of schedule. And, Atsumi’s hard work has finally paid off. Her kindness and everything made Sasa pay attention to her and now, she is upgraded from someone whom he helped once upon a time to become an important person to him. She even got two cupids to help her ^^ I didn’t expect Yukine to come back but her timing is ‘great’ since there is now a little hitch regarding Hanabi x Chikai. Ah, she appears in a crucial time much like how the boss appeared before Sasa, Atsumi and others. It makes me think that the future arc would be past love vs present love. Well, the ex-crush/gf can surely make both Hanabi and Atsumi insecure even if their dreams seemingly have already come true. For Atsumi, it doesn’t seem to that ‘lover level’ so it seems a bit confusing but at least, it is a progress from ordinary friend. I’m wondering why Atsumi is still in denial but I guess she thinks that Sasa is strictly into guys. I don’t think Hanabi ever told her that Sasa used to like a girl in order not to rise up her hopes for nothing. Hanabi doesn’t know it yet though but I’m somewhat thinking that the author won’t make Chikai go back to Yukine just because Hanabi doesn’t like his kiss. Isn’t this a challenge for a guy like Chikai? Also, I think the author won’t risk making the readers angry at Chikai since he isn’t really a ‘nice’ guy as compared to the other guys. =P

Well, maybe he didn’t meet with Hanabi on White Day because he doesn’t want to ruin the day to see her reacting like that towards him or he is giving Hanabi some space but not totally snubbing her since he gave her candy. Do the candies have some meaning to it? Yes and no answer because it is sweet and salty? Also, he flirted with Hanabi’s sister..is it to show himself that he still can ‘woo’ a girl to heal his bruised ego? As his dog mentioned about not paying attention to her, I guess Chikai is indeed bothered by Hanabi’s reaction to his kiss. Hehe, Chikai is really hard to read..are cats like that? Hehe, I think he has a cat personality. =P Moving on to the other cat which is Mii. Hehe, she really had Shinichi wrap around her little finger. I guess he is suitable for her because she is ‘dominating’ in a way and he is like a dog that is eager to please ‘one’s master’ like how Hanabi is. As for Kareshi and Masato, I think they might have a problem later on regarding Masato’s family. First of all, I didn’t expect Masato to be that rich. He has a part time job and his special course is craftsmanship. It isn’t something that I would expect from a young master but I guess he is ‘unique’ since he doesn’t have a ‘I’m rich so I’ll act spoiled, etc’ mentality. I think ‘business’ is more suitable specialty for young masters. I’m still wondering if that is because his parents let him alone because they are too busy or his parents allowed him to do those things. Do they know about Kareshi? Masato is an only son so it is assumed that he’ll be groomed to succeed/inherit everything. No wonder Kareshi calls him naive when he proposed to her. I thought it is only because she still has to work and provide for her siblings but it turns out that perhaps, she somehow expect his parents to object to that idea. He is a bit too idealistic while Kareshi is realistic. I think that perhaps she isn’t too keen about Masato at first because of the wealth gap. Well, I think Masato doesn’t care even if he is disowned. He is already working part time so maybe he knows his parents would object so he is already earning money. I wonder if the author will tackle this probable problem or just make the parents accept Kareshi so in the end, no story about it. Well things are getting interesting ^^ Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻, 玉/wdsjznl and yukitokaji for BW.

Word of the day:
Just as the winter turns to spring, our lives have changing seasons too; So when a gloomy forecast comes, remember—God has plans for you. ~ Sper from Our Daily Bread

Vampire Knight [Chapter 60] Teaser
Thursday, April 22, 2010

Vampire Knight 60 raws is out in VK lj. Rido still torments Kaname regarding his feelings for Yuuki.. ‘desire’ and ‘desperation’. I guess Rido is saying that Kaname is the same before and forever. Oh..a scene of Kaname alone in the desert. His past? Well, Kaname just crush whatever is left of Rido to shut him up and somehow Kaname got wounded since his face is bleeding. I guess it is only then Kaname senses what happened to his wolf. And, Yuuki is weak from the attack. Zero manages to ‘shoo’ that pureblood away. Being the gentleman that he was, Zero carries unconscious[?] Yuuki on his shoulder. What..no princess carry? I guess Zero brought her to some vampire-hunter only place that Hanabusa couldn’t enter so Zero had to carry him, too. =P Yuuki wakes up and pulls herself up to hug Zero. Ah, she seems to lick/bite his neck. Oh..look, there is a bat on the tree that can be seen in the window. I think it is you know who is looking at them. They had a bit of talk and Yuuki blushes a bit. I think she thought he’s Kaname..it seems like ‘I’m mistaken’. Window got destroyed - not sure if it is done by Kaname or Zero. Guess Yuuki knows what that means so on cue, Yuuki happily says something to Zero and decides to jump out the window. She joins with the bat that turn into a wolf and tells it that she’s fine, etc. And, away they go..leaving poor Hanabusa alone. That’s it. Hehe, as usual, she goes back and forth between the two guys. Keep this up, intentional or not, and you’ll see Kaname going on a jealous rage soon and he might really lock her up for good. =P But then, Zero might just come to save her. I feel sorry for Zero since she is making him unable to move on in a way. Somehow, I have a feeling that this love triangle will end in a really messy way but with this author, it might not since Yuuki has gotten away with it for a long time already. =P

Quotes of the day:
Moving on is simple, it's what you leave behind that's hard. ~ Author Unknown

Some Free Talk + Sengoku Danshi Hana no Ran [Chapter 5]
Wednesday, April 21, 2010

[Free Talk: The color spread of Dengeki Daisy is so pretty ^^ Teru is holding a bolt cutter to cut the chains to the door to see sulking Kurosaki. I like the symbolism which hopefully will come true soon ^^ I have only seen half of it which flavia scanned for BW. It’s pretty much the aftermath of the ‘nightmare’ part of their first date. On a side note, I saw L❤DK 14 in BW and it is a must read. Haha, it is totally hilarious when Aoi becomes conscious-infatuated with Shuusei’s body. Hehe, she has been reduced to become a peeping tom (watching him in the shower) to a pervert who would actually ‘attack’ him while he’s sleeping (poking his waist and checking his underwear ^^;). I think Shuusei knows it all since he woke up and ‘catches’ her. Haha, it seems he just told her to feel his whole body lol..Aoi caught herself before she touches him. In the end, it is his turn to ‘attack’ her but I guess she isn’t ready. I’m really curious what he said at the end..is he just teasing or not? =P Wait for these series in Bebe©Xiu’s blog. ^^ Also, I just read the latest VK side story..sigh, why are Juri and Haruka dead..they could have made the series more fun with more interactions with Kaien. I'm now wishing that there would be more flashbacks of their story ^^;

Regarding the dropping of series, it is because I think that I’m been summarizing too many series and I want to catch up with the backlog as soon as possible among other reasons. Also, currently, I’m not TOO interested in what’s happening in Kimi ni Todoke, Hapi Mari and Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu. Bebe©Xiu has subscribed to the magazines that serialized them and, she and others would want to take it up so.. Just click ‘her name’ and it leads to the link of her site. Just wait for those series in her site soon. If there is no one summarizing KKwH yet, I’ll continue writing teasers for it as long as there are available raws. Summaries..not a priority but will see. As for Black Bird and Dengeki Daisy, I thought that maybe people who can read Japanese will do a much better summary with less/no mistakes. I feel uneasy writing them since there are no recent Chinese scans to base it on so I don’t know if what I’ve been writing is right or wrong. ^^;]

Hana reads about Nobunaga’s background in a history book from his birth in 1543 as the son of Oda Nobuhide, his turbulent younger years, the battle of Okehazama in 1560 to his ‘supposed’ death at Honnō-ji along with his retainers, the Mori brothers. [For details, just read it in wiki or some other resources =P ] She then looks at the living room and asks herself if the guys in history are the same guys as the ones watching television now. She thinks that in an instant, they are becoming familiar with her era. They are watching some classical drama where a guy is confessing/saying sweet nothings to his lover. Bou blushes while seemingly covering his eyes yet still peeking. He exclaims that they should be doing that in some secret area instead of in front of the audience. While Ran is reading a book, Nobunaga asks Hana where one can get those kinds of clothes. Bou and Riki are blushing when the girl on the television says, “Ah..no..you can’t..” but they were disappointed that the show is interrupted by a commercial at the critical moment. Pointing at the ‘train’ in the television, Riki asks if it is a carriage. Grandpa tells him that it is Shinkansen that can go 300 [-320] kilometers per hour which is eight times faster than a horse. A horse, not a thoroughbred can run around 40 km/hr. One can reach Kanto [where Tokyo is] from Kyoto in a quarter and half time [= 3 hours]. They couldn’t believe that it is eight times faster than a horse. Hana’s phone rings and it is from Nijiko, her aunt. She goes out the room to answer it. She tells her aunt that everyone is quite lively because they’ll head back to Tokyo tomorrow. Nobunaga asks Grandpa what made the Shinkansen’s speed that fast. Grandpa says that for him to understand, he’ll have to start from the very beginning. Riki then notices something on the television that he stands in front of it. It is an advertisement of a drama called ‘Shitsuji-sama’s Love [Affair]’ which is showing next week Friday at 9pm and the role of the butler will be played by Osaka.. [Ah, not sure if the actor is from Osaka or the butler is from Osaka ^^;] Nobunaga tells Riki that he can’t see the television. Riki points to the television that shows Ryou in a butler uniform. He says that it is the guy that Hana was waiting for. Bou asks if it is when Hana came back home crying. Riki nods. Grandpa sadly says that guy is a traitor who betrayed Hana and Nijiko. The four guys look really dark and serious about it. Grandpa mutters that it is thanks to whom that he [Ryou] is now in that position. Someone [probably the four guys talking] mutters that it cannot be forgiven even if he begs for it. Just then, Hana goes back in and sees that the television is on some show wherein a girl is running around with her dog. She asks about what they are talking about ‘beg for it’, beg for what. The four guys are just silent.

The next day, they thank the doctor’s wife/innkeeper’s hospitality for taking care of them for such a long time. The others climb in the van. Hana looks back and sees Ran looking dark. Hana asks him what he is doing, just go in the van. Ran asks if he is going inside this strange box again. Hana says that didn’t he already ride on it when they went to the inn and also in going to the temple. Ran darkly says that it is because Nobunaga is in danger at that time. Hana is puzzled as Ran goes in the van. The van leaves and soon, they are at the station. They bid goodbye to the doctor. They especially the younger ones are awed by the magnificent building. They are amazed by the moving stairs [escalator]. Hana grabs Riki to stop him from walking down again. They marvel at the ticket that Hana gives them. She tells them not to lose it. Riki puts the ticket in the machine and it comes out at the other side. With glittering eyes, Riki tries to go back and try it again. Hana stops him again and tells him that he can do it again when they go out. Still looking dark, Ran is just standing behind them. The younger boys happily wait while looking at a bulletin board which shows what time the Shinkansen will arrive. When it arrived, the two younger guys cheer. Grandpa tells them that it will move fast if it didn’t stop. The younger guys are curious at the door within Shinkansen that opened by itself when they go near it. Hana wonders if guys really like transportation vehicles. She then turns around to find that Ran hasn’t gone in yet. She goes down from the train and tells him to quickly go in. Ran darkly asks if it is true that this strange thing runs eight times faster than horses. Hana asks if he is afraid. She assures him that the Shinkansen is among the safest transportation vehicle. She freaks out when Ran bends over as if he is nauseous and his face looks green. Grandpa tells Hana to hurry. Hana tries to tell him about Ran but, the door suddenly closes. So, Hana can only watch as Grandpa and the three other guy, who were watching by the window, leave in the Shinkansen.

While Hana is waiting for Ran outside the men’s toilet, she talks with her Grandpa on the phone who asks if everything is okay. Hana tells him that it seems to be motion sickness [carsick] and Ran couldn’t handle it anymore until they reached the station. She tells him not to be nervous since they already left [/can move around]. They decided to meet each other at the Tokyo station. She looks up to see Ran coming out of the toilet. They sit at the waiting area. Hana gives him some medicine and tells him that he’ll feel a bit better after taking it. Ran drinks it. After a long silence, Hana nervously thinks that the mood is very bad and there are only the two of them there. Hana tries to talk with him by telling him that he should have told them about his motion sickness earlier and isn’t riding a horse for ten minutes more bumpy. Ran didn’t answer. Hana is frustrated because she cannot bear this kind of silence. Then, Ran tells her that if he rides a horse, he is the one who is making it move but the situation is different when riding in a vehicle, which shakes here and there. He also doesn’t feel good with that stairs that moves on its own. Hana nervously thinks that she seems to understand yet not understand. Ran looks at her seriously and asks if she is satisfied about being that noisy when he isn’t feeling well. Hana nervously says, is that so. She apologizes while thinking that Ran is really hard to deal with. While telling Ran that she got in touch with Grandpa and others, Ran suddenly stands up and says that he left Nobunaga for some time already so they should hurry and leave.. He then somewhat leans sideways [= dizzy] that Hana grabs him so that he won’t fall. She tells him that it is much better for him to rest for a while and it will be alright since Bou and Riki are with Nobunaga. Ran is just silent while Hana thinks that Ran has a ‘Nobunaga/His Highness complex’. She tells him that if he recovered a bit, they will quickly catch up with the others. She glances at him and thinks that if it is about Nobunaga, Ran is totally flawless but there are times when he isn’t. Ran looks at her and says that self-satisfied face of hers puts him in a bad mood. This made Hana nervous.

To her surprise, Ran suddenly lies his head down on her lap. She asks him what he is doing. Ran says that he’ll sleep for a while. Blushing and still nervous, she thinks that isn’t what she is asking. Hana couldn’t believe it for this guy had treated her like some liar and seriously suspects/doubts her yet how can he even peacefully sleep on her like that. Hana feels that everyone is looking at her and what she should do in a situation like this. She looks down on sleeping Ran and thinks that his eyelashes are so long and she would want to have a ruler right now. His nose is also very straight which is situated in such a beautiful face. Hana then wrestles with her impulse to want to touch him because he looks like a doll. Just when she is about to touch him, her phone rings and vibrates in her bag. Hana mentally apologizes [for wanting to touch him] while she answers the phone to tell Grandpa that they are resting for a while. When she mentions Nobunaga’s name, Ran immediately opens his eyes. Hana says that he’s awake. She tells Ran who is sitting up that Nobunaga wants to talk with him. Ran looks around for Nobunaga. Hana teaches him how to answer her phone. Ran is surprised to hear Nobunaga’s voice on the phone. Hana tells him to just look surprise there while she goes buy something to drink. While walking, she looks at Ran and wonders if he’ll be alright. Then, she bumps into someone. She quickly apologizes and when she looks up, it turns out to be Ryou. The two call each other’s names. Hana wonders what she should say when there are so many questions that she wanted to ask him. They talk at the same time so Ryou apologizes and let her talk first. Flustered Hana wonders if they will become like this and if it is totally over. She gulps and says that she is really shock about his switching of companies and why he didn’t tell her about it. Ryou apologizes and says that it is something that he doesn’t know whether to tell her or not but that is his problem. “I have decided. I have done what I wanted to do. ..I won’t be coming back.” Flustered Hana thinks that she isn’t needed anymore. While looking away, Ryou tells her that Hana’s aunt’s company is too small and it won’t do if he doesn’t go to a bigger company, else he won’t become very popular. In fact, since he moved to sPro, he has been receiving drama work. Later on, there will be more dramas and also movie job offers. Hana feels like crying as she bends down her head. This made Ryou flustered/sad for her. He reaches out his hand to touch her but someone slaps his hand away. It is Ran who told Ryou, “You don’t have the right to touch Hana.”

Being rebuffed like that, Ryou tries to laugh it off by sarcastically accusing Hana of knowing how to trick people by pretending to be innocent/pure yet so quickly, she already got herself a new guy. Puzzled, Hana asks what he meant by that. Ryou tells her that he just saw them a while ago. They were sticking together like glue like lovers and he’s sleeping on her lap. Ryou accuses her of having a past wherein she is hurt and afraid of guys and he has always been lied and tricked by her. Hana is aghast by this accusation while Ran just sternly looks at Ryou. While Hana is trying to protest that it isn’t true that she is a lying type, Ran pulls her to him and says that she is only being used as a pillow. Hana and Ryou look at Ran and thinks, “Pillow..?” Ran tells Ryou, “I am only helping back because Hana and others had helped us. It is because a heartless guy betrayed [her/them] so it’s very troublesome.” Ryou looks surprised and tense by this. Hana realizes that Ran is talking about what Ryou did to her. Ryou nervously asks if Ran is a newcomer of Amami Company, this haphazard/hasty-confused guy. Ryou looks displeased upon seeing Ran’s hand on Hana. Ran had noticed this that he uses both hands to hold on to Hana’s shoulders. He smiles and says, “Eh..even if it is a woman whom you do not want but you can’t take it when some other guy touches her, right?” Ryou is taken aback by this. While Ran covers Hana’s mouth, he says, “Then, how about I do what you don’t like to do.” Ryou is flustered and speechless by that. Ran continues, “..one must discern between green from red, black from white. In order to fulfill one’s goal of choosing a much better master, one decides to leave one’s origins, is but natural.” Hana senses that Ran is holding her tighter [= not feeling well]. She is surprised when Ran lets her go and turns to hold her again [to lead her away] and says, “But, being ungrateful and without conscience to this extent, there is no other words to describe you except that you are despicable. You don’t even know how to be ashamed of yourself.” Ryou is tense and aghast by that. He couldn’t reply back as he just looks away.

Ran pulls Hana away and says that they are going. Hana looks back and sees that Ryou hasn’t move from where they left him. While Ran is pulling her, Hana tells him to stop and if he is alright or is he still feeling unwell. Since he didn’t reply, Hana assumes that he isn’t well. Ran suddenly stops walking that she hits Ran’s back. It turns out that Ran stopped in front of an escalator. In the end, they just climb the stairs. Hana thanks him for what he did. She asks if he is angry for her sake. She thinks that he talked continuously like that for a ‘nakama’ like her. Ran tells her that it is only because that guy’s attitude cannot be forgiven for just saying whatever he wants to say. “You shouldn’t mind what that guy is saying.” When Hana is beginning to wonder if Ran is not such a bad guy, Ran calls her stupid. He tells her that romantic love is just trouble. “After loving deeply and adoring each other, you’ll simply just quarrel noisily. It’s stupidity to the extreme.” Hana lamely looks at him and says, ah? Ran looks at her and asks, isn’t she the same. “You also should use your brain a little bit more, right?” Hana angrily thinks, “I take back what I’ve said. This guy only has arrogance and even thought of me as a pillow.” With a sparkle in his eye, Ran tells her that what’s really worthwhile and revered in this whole world is loyalty/fealty to one’s lord. Hana is speechless. While they were waiting for the Shinkansen to arrive, Hana asks him that speaking of that, what did Nobunaga told him. Ran tells him that it seems that Nobunaga is trying out the telephone. A scene of Nobunaga says, hello and Grandpa telling him that he is holding it wrong [opposite way].

Fufu..this chapter reminds me of Skip Beat! a lot from the lap pillow to the potential love triangle with upcoming showbiz theme and rivalry. That confrontation pretty much like drawing the battle lines in showbiz or romance when we ever get to that. What Ran told Ryou is pretty much what I’ve been waiting for years to happen in Skip Beat! Amusingly, the author manages to get Ran to pull it off even if he isn’t interested in Hana. When Grandpa mentioned about Hana being betrayed, I’m really amused with their reactions. What is the thing that samurai’s hate the most? But of course, it is betrayal and if Ryou was there, they might have made him commit seppuku. Haha, poor Hana, from suspicious person to someone who might harm his lord to pillow. Is that a demotion from human to thing? =P I’m curious how the author will get these two together romantically especially since that right now, they would treat each other as the last one in mind if they’ll think of in terms of ‘love’. If ever Ran will be a showbiz personality, he has a lot of training to do especially his unfriendliness and arrogance. He might not agree to it but I think if Nobunaga ordered it, Ran would have easily agreed to do whatever he wants. Of course, Hana might be his manager and she’ll have a lot of work to do dealing with him. I hope the other three will also be in showbiz. I think all of them have their own charm which can easily win fans and it will help boost up the mass resignations in Hana’s aunt’s company. Since they are somewhat familiar with television and Nobunaga seems to want to cosplay/wear different kind of outfit, I think it is easy for them ‘get into’ showbiz. As for Ran, he already knows how to pretend to be Hana’s lover in a way even if he really just thinks of her as a pillow. ^^; I wonder if they will have different showbiz names and if they do, what it be. Just curious since it will be a bit strange if they use their real names though in showbiz, being ‘strange and peculiar’ helps. So far, it seems that they can easily adapt to their new surroundings. Well, I’m curious what Ryou will do after the dressing down he got from Ran. It does seem that Ryou still has some feelings for Hana but he feels that career is priority over love. Okay, it seems that Hana is surrounded by potential love interests who think that she isn’t important and other things are. I’ll really be amused when it changes and these two guys are after her. =P

Quote of the day:
To know a man, observe how he wins his object, rather than how he loses it; for when we fail, our pride supports us - when we succeed, it betrays us. ~ Charles Caleb Colton

Kimi ni Todoke [Chapter 45]
Tuesday, April 20, 2010

[This is my last summary for this series. Bebe©Xiu will pick this up as well as some other series like Hapi Mari, Black Bird, and Dengeki Daisy. I also plan to drop Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu but I don’t know if she has found someone to write summaries for that yet.]

It’s July, so after the school festival, it will soon be summer vacation. In class, Sawako is sitting beside Ryu while Shouta’s seatmate is Kent. Soon, Shouta overhears people pretending to be him as to why he isn’t seated beside cute Sawako but rather with stupid Kent and he would want to change seats with Ryu. Chizuru and Ayane play along [? Or they are the ones saying those] by telling Ryu that if he changes seat, he will forever be sitting next to Kent because who knows when they can change seats again. Shouta angrily shouts for them to quit ‘dubbing’/pretending to be him. Kent also plays along by telling him that Shouta’s too cruel [to say those things]. Ryu tells him that he refuses to change seats. Shouta angrily shouts that he didn’t even say anything about changing seats. Soon, Shouta and others are laughing. Sawako is tense because a few days ago, she asked her friends about when Shouta’s birthday is. Flashback: It is because during her birthday, she missed the opportunity to ask Shouta to the point that until now, she wasn’t able to ask. Sawako and Ayane are surprised when Chizuru looked totally stunned = she turned into stone. Sawako started to cry and apologize that she should have asked Shouta himself. They thought Chizuru is angry that Sawako hasn’t asked yet but it turns out that Chizuru is ‘stunned’ because Shouta’s birthday is on May. It has already passed. While Sawako and Ayane are stunned this time around, Chizuru called Ryu to make sure...about the date but she is sure that it is on May. ^^; End flashback. So, it is now July, half way the year. Because Sawako didn’t ask, she wasn’t able to celebrate his birthday with him or even give him a gift when she got a gift from him. During her mental anguish, she is surprised to see Shouta who is kneeling near her desk. He asks her if she have a headache. Sawako nervously assures him that nothing is wrong so there is nothing to worry. Her friends think that Sawako is still regretting all about it but it’s good since what she is thinking is accompanied by happiness. [like happily troubled, I guess.] Shouta smiles at her. She blushes and smiles back at him. Ryu tells Shouta again that he won’t be changing seats with him. This time, Shouta admits that he do want to change seats. He says that even if he’ll be very happy if they are talking near to each other, but nevertheless, they can still talk with each other anytime. Sawako thinks that is right. [= Think positive] Sawako tells him that it is nice to sit near the window because wind can blow in. Someone says that since Sawako is near the door, she can easily run to the stairs to buy some bread. Sawako thinks that she feels that just with Shouta’s smile, her mood improves. While smiling, she wonders what she could do, even if it is too late, she wants to do something to repay him.

Chizuru and Ayane go out and walk at the hallway. They were talking. Chizuru says that as long as those two’s relationship is good then everything is alright compared to anything else. Ayane agrees and says that there is still a birthday next year. There are still many other things to do that are fun since it will be summer vacation soon. The two stopped walking when they notice that the hallway is dotted by couples. The two say that it seems that there are more couples after the school festival. Chizuru looks at Ayane and slaps her hard on the back. Ayane angrily shouts what that is about when they are both the same. Chizuru just nervously says that she feels like [doing that]. Then Yuka and some girls pass by them. Chizuru comments that afterwards, Ayane brought things to a closure by acting like a decent guy. Ayane is puzzled that Chizuru comments that she heard from Kent that Ayane has comforted Ume. Chizuru angrily thinks that Kent is such a gossipy guy. A picture of Kent says that he isn’t but it is something that he cannot help but tell others. At the stairs, Ayane sees Pin. She calls out to him and tells him to catch something. Pin looks at the small pack of chocolate balls candy and asks what it is. Ayane mentions that he was complaining after the school festival. Flashback: Pin is going to give everyone some chocolate candy as souvenir after the school festival. To his shock, he doesn’t have one since they thought that he doesn’t like sweets because everyone said so. Pin tearfully exclaimed that isn’t the point. End flashback. Ayane says that even if isn’t a big issue, she’ll give it to him. She bought it with Sawako. Chizuru suddenly exclaims to Ayane that she is too nice and it is a waste to be too nice to such an indecent guy. She shouldn’t give candy or anything to an indecent guy. With folded arms, Pin says that she’s been disrespectful. Chizuru says that regarding those other girls before, she [Chizuru] is rebuking them whereas Ayane is comforting them so she [Chizuru] thought that somehow they were redeemed. Ayane looks surprised that she tries to say that it isn’t so but she is interrupted when another teacher calls out to Chizuru. He tells her that if she keeps that up and do not get extra classes, she won’t have a summer vacation. He also tells her that he’ll tell her the specific stuff at the faculty room. This made Chizuru panic that she exclaims to Ayane that they talk about it later on and she wishes Ayane to be super happy just like Sawako. Ayane shouts that for her to not to say that out loud since it is very embarrassing [especially since some guys have overheard it].

Blushing Ayane notices that Pin is looking at her. She says that it isn’t true and Chizuru just thinks of her too highly. It is because Chizuru is really nice that even if she has a conflict with someone, she is still optimistic/proactive. If it were her, she won’t do it because it is too troublesome. If Chizuru has encountered something painful, she would still move on, even if she is obviously hurt. Chizuru is really such a good person that she can only cheer for her. Chizuru is totally satisfied just from someone telling her that ‘I understand’. Ayane wonders out loud if it is okay that she’s [Ayane] the only bad person among them and she will also be troubled if this affects Sawako [like others will think badly of Sawako because of her association with Ayane]. She feels that she isn’t the same as Chizuru and Sawako because those two are originally very kind. She is surprised when Pin exhales/sighs. She becomes nervous that she said too many unnecessary things and during this time, Pin would firmly reprimand her and that is too troublesome. Pin just looks at the candy pack she gave him and holds it up his face. He smiles then pats her head. “[You’re] very kind.” Ayane looks at her in surprise as Pin goes up the stairs. She sighs as some students pass by. She then seems to become very embarrassed about it. The bell rings. A couple of guys ask Shouta if he’s going with them. Shouta is going to ask Sawako to please not leave yet but her friends hug her and apologize to him that Sawako couldn’t today since they already had an arrangement to go out with them. Shouta asks Sawako about this. Blushing, she tells him that it is true and they will be shopping. There are still some students passing by wondering if the two are really going steady. After Sawako bids him goodbye, Shouta calls out to her and smiles while waving goodbye. This surprises Sawako and others. Sawako smiles and thinks, “..okay. Wait for me.” Soon, it is night. Carrying a small plastic bag, Chizuru arrives at Ryu’s house and sees Ryu at the door. She asks if he just arrived home. Ryu says yes. Chizuru gives him the bag and tells him that sushi is given by her mother. Ryu thanks her and happily starts eating the sushi. Chizuru exclaims about why he is eating it there. Ryu says that it is because he’s hungry. While they were sitting outside the door, Chizuru sighs and tells him to forget it. She comments about having club activity so late at night. She then becomes surprised and mutters if they just lost in the summer season game. Ryu tells her not to talk about it anymore. “I’ll do my best next time.”

Chizuru smiles at him and says, ya. She asks him if he is going to do club activity in summer. Ryu says yes, generally training. When he asks about her, Chizuru mutters that it might be extra classes. Chizuru then looks at him and says that it seems that he has grown taller. She made him stand up to measure herself to him. She then says that it makes her unhappy. Ryu asks why. She says that it is because he is the only one who grew tall. Ryu says that isn’t true. Chizuru pouts and says that he isn’t afraid of monsters. Ryu says that it is because he hasn’t seen one. Chizuru answers back that it is scary because one hasn’t seen it. She asks if he isn’t afraid of anything. He says there is. Thinking that he has a weakness, she eagerly asks what it is. He says ‘dead ball’ type. [Dead ball is a jargon used in baseball which means, according to wiki: The ball becomes "dead" (i.e., the game's action is stopped) in cases of fan or player interference, umpire interference with a catcher, and several other specific situations. When the ball is dead, no runners may advance beyond bases they are entitled to, and no runners may be put out. The ball becomes "live" again when the umpire signals that play is to resume.] Chizuru exclaims for him to just bear with it and he isn’t like a Sanada guy. When Ryu is trying to explain his side, he suddenly remembers something and tells her to wait. She is puzzled when he goes in and brings out something. It is a picture of Tooru’s wedding with his bride, Ryu and Chizuru. She blushes as she remembers Tooru telling her that for him throughout their life, they won’t drift apart. Flashback: Chizuru asked if he isn’t joking. Bro smiled and said he’s serious and it is absolutely true. “And you’ll know about the reason afterwards.” End flashback. Chizuru smiles at the picture and thanks Ryu. Ryu asks her if she knows what’s good about him. Chizuru is puzzled. Ryu tells her what is written in the elementary report card[?]. Chizuru asks if it’s his monk head [haircut]. Ryu says no. Closing her eyes, Chizuru starts reciting, “Being kind? Being honest? Being deeply affectionate*? ..Being patient..” [*it’s like never forget someone special to you.] Ryu just lovingly looks and smiles at her. Narration: “..soon, it will be summer vacation. From the time when I properly chat with Kazehaya-classmate, it will soon be one year.” The next day, Shouta calls out to Sawako to ask her if she is free today and if she doesn’t have any prior engagements, they can go home together. While they walk together, there is still some murmuring from other students about the two really going steady. To Sawako’s surprise, Shouta asks out loud as to where they should walk around, just the two of them.

This chapter seems to be quite subtle and uneventful in a way. Changing of seats which is good in a way because at least, Sawako isn’t sitting with Kent anymore but then, Shouta would probably be annoyed to death by Kent Hehe, I think Shouta should get used to being teased by the others until ‘the joke’ finally run out of steam. =P Too bad for Sawako that because of her hesitation before, she cannot return the birthday favor to Shouta. I guess there is a lesson there. Of course, she’ll just have to think of a different way to make up for it and there will be a lot more opportunities later on. It seems that Ayane tend to think of herself negatively that she didn’t notice that she is also kind like the others. I guess it is too early to interpret her being embarrassed about being called kind is only because that or is it because it is Pin who said that. Apparently, Kent doesn’t want her good deeds be a secret. It makes me wonder if Kent or Ume will still have an important ‘use/role’ in this series other than being ‘love rivals’, real or imagined before. As for Ryu and Chizuru, I’m somewhat wondering if Chizuru does know that Ryu likes her romantically. When Ryu made her say those things, I guess it is to see how she views him. From their interaction here, it does seem to be still ‘friends’ so Ryu has a lot of work to do. Well, I guess the last part meant Sawako and Shouta will have their first date soon.

Quote of the day:
Kindness has influenced more people than eloquence. ~ Author Unknown

Skip Beat! [Chapter 156]
Monday, April 19, 2010

So, Ren/Cain takes Kyouko/Setsuka’s hand and takes her out of the room and into the streets. Kyouko wonders what just happened since Ren’s mood suddenly changed though it isn’t the same killer chi he showed before. His eyes are quite intimidating. Since he is acting without talking, Kyouko wonders if he is in his Cain role. She then sees herself in the glass. She is embarrassed and totally freaks out over how she looked. This made her go into her Setsuka role. She firmly grip his hand that Cain looked back. Setsuka tells him that her feet hurt from walking too fast. Cain just looks at her. Kyouko then remembers the time during their ‘acting when Ren has problems with his Dark Moon role’ when Ren looked at her that way to tell her that she made an ‘NG/blooper’. Kyouko wonders why she suddenly remembered that. Kyouko gets angrier when Ren sighs since she doesn’t know what he is unsatisfied about. Ren tells her that the stores will be closing soon so they need to hurry a bit. He lets go of her hand that Kyouko thinks that it seems it isn’t important to use force [to take her there]. She asks if that is to force her to comply [with the role, I think] and where they are going. Cain just says that she’ll know when they get there. So, she follows him. She gets frustrated and angry since she doesn’t know where they are going and Ren kept on sighing as if she is making some sort of NG.

Soon, they arrived at a Jeanne d’Arc store. Kyouko remembers that it is the brand name that Maria likes. Cain says that Setsuka doesn’t have a change of clothes. A flashback shows that it seems that Jelly only prepared 3-4 clothes for her. To Setsuka’s surprise, Cain offers to buy her clothes that she likes. As usual, Kyouko refuses and says that it is okay, she can buy on her own. She stops midway and thinks that the brother whom she really likes is going to buy her clothes and she couldn’t resist else she’ll be NG again. She should be really happy and accept. When Cain asks her again, Setsuka smiles and flirty asks him if that is okay, else she’ll buy a heap of clothes and make him pay for it. To her surprise, Cain smiles and tells her that it is okay, she can choose whatever she likes to buy. While Setsuka is choosing some clothes, she thinks that this is the first time she saw Cain smile. She starts to giggle and blush when she thinks that it means that she has succeed in being ‘qualified’ to be Setsuka. Since some girls are looking at her, she quiets down. She thinks that what Cain said earlier sets up their relationship as siblings. Even if she as the sister tends to overly control her brother, Cain tends to dote on and spoil his sister. She starts to contemplate more on this that Cain would wear ruined shoes but would spend things for his sister. After more thinking, she thinks that it is because of how she has been acting that she is making a lot of NG. She is a bit sad that it seems that since Dark Moon, she hasn’t matured a bit [in terms of acting, I think]. She starts to wonder how Ren as Cain will react if she played her role well like he would react with an angry younger sister or if he is happy with her. Kyouko blushes as she really wants to try it out. So, Kyouko starts to realize Setsuka’s ‘joy’ and the Heel siblings’ story progress. So, nothing much happened and I guess if there is, it will be pretty much in the climax of the arc like before. I hope Kyouko ‘testing’ Ren will be fun ^^ Next chapter 5/1. Scans by 凡 for BW scanlation group.

Quote of the day:
Only through curiosity can we discover opportunities, and only by gambling can we take advantage of them. ~ Author Unknown

Free Talk: Himegimi to Sanbiki no Kemono
Saturday, April 17, 2010

Have you seen this series before? This seems to be an interesting series which is serialized in Hana to Yume. The English title is ‘The Princess and Three Wild Beasts’. The author seems to be a new one by the name of Miyuki Mitsubachi. Filion shared chapter 7 in BW. One thing that I noticed is the very pretty color page. I checked out the first two volume covers and they are indeed beautiful. The first volume summary and review is in this site. Go here for a few pages preview of chapter 1, how they met ^^ It seems like an episodic series wherein the three ‘phantom thieves’ would go to different place to ‘steal’ something so that the owner would realize what’s really important to him/her. Of course, the princess goes with them in their adventure and well, fall in love with one of the guys..the first one she met. ^^ In chapter 7, a cross-dressing prince misses his father who used to be nice and happily play with him but somehow later on, he changed to become strict and overbearing. The ‘treasure’ they are after turned out to be the toys that the prince played with his father. In the end, I think the father realize what’s really important for the prince especially since he almost shot him. ^^; Along with that, it reminded the princess that even if her mother seems too strict, she still shows that she loves her when she doesn’t know. The flashback is that her mother doesn’t seem to care that she is injured but when she is asleep, her mother holds her injured hand. ^^ At the end, they left that kingdom and the princess got a letter from her mother. Filion jokes that maybe the thieves will never get any real treasure this way. =P Hehe, maybe that is their point. I think this isn’t a regular series because chapter 7 has 60 pages. O_o Do not ask me for raws because I’ve only seen chapter 7 [Jap] in BW and nowhere else. If you are interested in it, just wait for Starry Heaven to scanlate this since it is in their upcoming series. On a side note, I think the princess cut her hair and dyed it so that she won’t be recognize during her journey with the three good looking guys =P

Word of the day:
God's love may have to be tough to keep us out of the rough. ~ Author Unknown

Strobe Edge [Chapters 29-31]
Friday, April 16, 2010

Mao replies, “From the start, the truth is, it is for me to totally forget about Ichinose-sempai. But while I’m going steady with Takumi, I also truly started to slowly like Takumi.” Andou perks up and looks at her. Mao then smiles and says, “—If I said that, would you believe me?” After a pause-surprise look, Andou starts laughing and says that she’s pretty vicious. Andou smiles while looking flustered. He then says, “Fortunately, when we were going steady, I sincerely wanted to treat you well. Forget it, that thing doesn’t matter anymore. I’m finished with what I have to say so I beg of you, do not approach Ninako again~ Byebye.” It is only when Andou starts walking downstairs when Mao’s expression is shown. She just looks serious. At the hallway, Andou calls out to Ninako. Ninako greets him a good morning. Andou tries to ask her something but Ninako just says about yesterday, all of it is true and if that is what he wanted to ask. Ninako leaves him while saying that it is true. Andou thinks that since she is like that, he cannot say anything. She thinks that of course, it isn’t true when Ren also greets her a good morning. Blushing as she goes to her seat, she thinks that she no longer thinks that it is enough to just like Ren but at the same time, she has no way of ‘fighting’. Even if it is like that, she cannot make this feeling disappear. Later on, Andou and Ninako stand in front of the class as they will teach the others about the cheering group’s slogan shouts and actions. Andou tells them that it isn’t that complex so they should just follow them. Ninako is extremely nervous since she is standing in front and she is really unsuitable to team leader of the oendan squad [in class]. Suddenly, Toda arrives and calls out to bean—Kinoshita for he is going to give her some forms. Ninako goes to him as Toda gives the forms to her. Ninako thanks him for specially bringing it to her. He then whispers if she has cheered up already. While remembering that she cried in front of Toda, Ninako blushes and just says ya. Toda sighs and ruffles her hair while whispering that she cannot be a team leader of the cheer squad if she isn’t that lively. Ninako says yes. Suddenly, the two blushes at each other. Toda thinks that Ninako is actually really small while Ninako thinks that Toda can actually talk softly. Standing near Yutaro and Manabu, Ren perks up when Manabu exclaims when Ninako and Toda’s relationship became good and what could they be talking about. Ren just quietly looks away. Yutaro looks at Ren and thinks that Ren is a bit displeased. [Hehe, someone’s jealous =P] Manabu happily says that the two are mutually looking at each other. A note says that Manabu isn’t thinking of anything [= unintentional provoking Ren?]. Andou is also puzzled as he wonders what’s up with those two and surely, it isn’t true that Ninako doesn’t like Ren anymore. He nervously thinks that even if it is true, there is no way that Ninako would chose ‘that’. That <- Toda who is laughing as he thinks that Ninako is really a bean sprout.

Then, Toda says that they will be giving out t-shirts so she should come along with him to help him bring it. Andou offers to be the one who’ll do that since a girl shouldn’t do that kind of stuff. Andou thinks that he ought to protect Ninako from this first. Toda thinks that it doesn’t matter who does it but since Andou is showing off his muscles, Toda decides to forget it and tells Andou to come with him. Andou apologizes to the class and says that he’ll be back soon so they should go ahead and practice. This made Ninako nervous as she looks at the class to see that everyone is looking at her. Her female friends cheer for her. Ninako is really embarrassed that everyone is looking at her including Ren. She starts showing them how it is done but the others aren’t able to follow her. She is looking at her notes while telling them that her friend tells her that they don’t understand what she is saying. Ninako says that she’ll start from the start but a couple of guys complain out loud that they cannot hear her voice and they do not understand what she is doing. They say that her teaching method sucks that they couldn’t get any interest to learn about it. Ren tells them to shut up for the question is what they are doing since they haven’t change their clothes yet so they don’t have any right to complain if they don’t conform with the others. “You shouldn’t say such things to someone who is really doing one’s best.” Everyone becomes nervous because Ren got angry. Ninako thinks that for Ren to do that makes her falter when she decided to give up on him. Ninako laughs it off as she apologizes about her teaching method sucks. She says that maybe they will see her if she stands on top of two chairs. Blushing Ninako feels that her voice has changed because her feelings are in chaos. While she is showing them the moves, she notices that Ren is looking at her. She looks away then she slips. Everyone blushes when Ren catches her [like a hug ^^]. Ninako thinks that her feelings of want to chase after him don’t fade away but rather, it accumulates. Ren then puts her down. With Andou following behind him, Toda arrives and shouts that he brought the t-shirts. Toda asks what happened while the girls are muttering that they didn’t notice that they couldn’t get their eyes of Ren-Ninako and even forget to breathe. Ninako’s friend lightly hits Ninako’s head and tells her to please be careful for she really shocked her. Ninako apologizes to Ren. Ren says that it is alright. Ninako is depressed that even if she wanted to give up but she can only think of what Ren said earlier and she wasn’t even doing her best. Ninako then calls out to Toda and tells him if he can teach her some pointers in shouting the moves. Toda is thrilled about this and is more than willing to do it. Andou is flustered that Toda is going to teach her when he wanted to be the one to do that. Ren just quietly looks on. Ninako thinks that reason and feelings won’t reconcile and what should she do so that she’ll give up on him even if he is so near to her.

At 3-4 classroom, Toda is shouting at Ninako about how many times he has to say that her shouting is really embarrassing. He asks her what she is thinking and she should totally disregard that nonsense shame for she should just enter a world where one doesn’t feel embarrassed. Toda happily poses like an idiot and says it is like that. Ninako wonders if it is like that, she couldn’t imagine it. Toda tells her that it is more humiliating if she did things half-way. With that, Ninako bows and asks him to teach her. Toda says that is good. Then, they soon shout some cheering stuff. At WcDonalds =P, Ren looks out the window then puts his drink on the table. He notices that Yutaro is writing something. When Ren asks him about it, to Ren’s surprise, Yutaro tells him that it is the number of times Ren looked out the window. [That is 17 times =P] Ren just looks at Yutaro when Yutaro twirls his ballpen and asks why Ninako hasn’t passed yet that Ren is so bothered/curious since the practice isn’t over yet. Ren looks away and asks if he did something superfluous in front of everyone and surely, he has made Ninako too nervous. Yutaro says that is not what is really bothering Ren but rather, it is how she and that [oendan] club head are getting along by themselves. Ren blushes. He looks away and says that even if he doesn’t want to admit it, but it is true. Yutaro thinks that it is quite surprising that Ren admitted it. Blushing really red, Ren says that he is impure. Yutaro blushes as he slurps his drink, wondering what Ren is referring to. He wonders what kind of scenery is going in Ren’s head and maybe it is something lewd. Somewhat troubled, Ren says that Ninako is surely doing her best to practice whereas he is there feeling unhappy because she and that club head are together alone. “I’m really impure.” Yutaro looks at Ren and thinks, “No, I think you’re too pure.” Later on, Toda says that they are finished for the day. Ninako thanks him for his guidance. Noticing that Ninako still looks glum, Toda asks if she still couldn’t bring herself to become cheerful. While wiping his face with the towel, Toda laughs and tells her that if she has anything that troubles her, she can talk about it with him even if he won’t necessarily really listen to her. Ninako also laughs and then becomes thoughtful. She then says that what if she has one great wish and she wanted to do her best to make that wish come true but because of some reasons, she should give up on it so what does he think that one should do. “How should one sort up one’s own feelings?” After a pause between the two, Ninako perks up and tries to laugh it off that for her to suddenly ask about such vague stuff will only make things awkward and she just said that to just see [his response]. She turns around and tells him not to mind it. Toda tells her that if she isn’t ‘harmed/trouble’ by that reason and it is her own initiative to want to ‘do that’, then she should believe in what she considers as precious to her. “If it is me, that is what I’ll do.” Toda smiles at her and what he said seems to clear Ninako’s confusion. She remembers the reason why she wanted to give up on Ren and that is to protect what’s important between Ren and Andou. She believes that this is very important compared to anything else.

I’m beginning to really like Toda. He can be funny and yet like how a sempai should be, give meaningful advice to the ‘younger ones’. He does seem like Pin of Kimi ni Todoke. Of course, another great purpose of his character in the story is to become Ren’s imaginary love rival. I find it amusing at how Ren is jealous and compared to what I’ve seen before, he does seem to act ‘normal teenager’ as compared before that it makes me think that Ninako is indeed good for him. He isn’t so boring now and hehe, he now has more cute moments. Too bad that Ninako is in ‘give up mode’ else she would have been really thrilled that she got hugged by Ren. Thankfully, Andou didn’t see that scene..the author has mercy on Andou’s fans. It is really nice that Andou still really cares for Ninako even if he is rejected twice. Well, that shouldn’t be surprising at how he still more or less cares about Ren even after what happened. Okay, if he can still act somewhat cordially with Mao after all that has happened..the guy is really amazing. Even with a lot of setbacks, he can still easily bounce back with personality/positive attitude intact without much help from friends ^^ What Mao is saying can be quite ambiguous. Regarding what she is saying, it can also mean that she is trying to make amends to Andou by helping him get Ninako and it doesn’t necessarily mean for her to get Ren. Since Andou is really distrusting of her which isn’t surprising, it cannot be helped. Also, Mao also has a tendency to say things which can either be true or just a lie/joke. One minute she is hinting that she actually likes him and the next, it is just a ‘what if’. This girl is really confusing so I feel sorry for Andou. Maybe that is her true nature. She is going out with him then suddenly, she turns out to be harboring feelings for Ren to the point of kissing Ren. It can really drive any guy insane and thankfully, Andou somehow survived a girl like her especially since he truly loved her. Well, that is bad for Mao since she hurt him badly when he believed/loved her so much that everything she does/say will make Andou doubt her true intention.

Chapter 30: In class, it is time to teach how to cheer again. To everyone’s surprise, Ninako shouts really loud about ‘hitting/punching to the left side’ while shouting. She notices that everyone looks at her stunned that she looks at Andou who is also surprised. She asks him what he isn’t shouting. Still stunned, Andou says that it is because her voice is too loud. Ninako apologizes for it but she says that as team leader, one must do one’s best to do it well when she originally didn’t. If this continues, she won’t have the face to look at Andou who gave her special training as well as the club head. She mentions that those two guys [who were uncooperative before] are also sincerely practicing today. Andou is clueless about it but the two guys say that it is because Ren is angry and staring at them. Ren says that he isn’t, he’s just looking. Ninako tells everyone that she feels that if she doesn’t do her best, the others’ energy/mood won’t go up either. She then shouts that she’ll teach everyone until the end. Somehow her attitude starts to infect the others for they start to say that maybe it is boring if they don’t do it sincerely. Andou smiles about this and thinks that because she is like that, he couldn’t give up on her. Andou uses this opportunity to tease Ren by saying that everyone is doing their best yet he is thinking what’s for dinner. Ren denies it. Andou asks if he is hungry because his movements aren’t that solid. Ren denies it again. Ninako looks at the two and thinks that surely, her resolve isn’t wrong in wanting to protect their [Ren and Andou] important thing. Soon, everyone happily do their moves even if Andou isn’t quite used to Ninako shouting out loud. Walking home with her friends, they tell Ninako that today’s practice is very interesting and they praise Ninako’s perfect expression and for being brave. Tsukasa advises her to be a bit more lady-like in front of Ren for it will be problematic if she frightens him away. They were surprised when Ninako tells them that her feelings for Ren aren’t the same anymore. Tsukasa exclaim in disbelief that she just said that she’ll do her best and try to become Ren’s girlfriend so what happened. She thinks that she couldn’t just tell them about Ren and Andou’s past on her own but if she didn’t give any reason as to why she’s giving up on Ren, she will just make everyone more worried. Ninako’s lame alibi is that when she realizes it, she doesn’t like Ren that way. Tsukasa wants to pursue the topic but Tamaki holds her back and says that if that is what Ninako said, then that’s how it is. Noriko and Sayuri play along with Tamaki in changing the topic by saying that they should check out a new store there. Ninako notices what they did. They tell her to quickly come with them but Ninako turns them down and just tell them that she’ll see them tomorrow. Her friends watch Ninako leave. Tsukasa asks Tamaki why she hindered her when it is obvious that Ninako is hiding something. Tamaki says that she knows and based on Ninako’s character, she’ll definitely feel that she should tell it to them, else she will make them worry. Tsukasa says that since it is like that, then they should take the initiative to ask. Tamaki says that she thinks that they should just wait for Ninako to take the initiative to tell them. In the train, Ninako sighs and couldn’t believe what she just said since that makes everyone feel that she’s hiding something but she doesn’t want to make them worry so what should she do. Her stomach starts to hurt.

Back at school, Ninako walks in the hallway while her friends are happily chatting. Ninako thinks that they didn’t ask anything and everyone always supported her regarding her feelings for Ren though right now, she singly thought of wanting to give up. She still couldn’t tell them the whole story and mention about Andou’s old pain. She is getting confused again as to what is the proper thing to do. While the school bell is ringing, her stomach is acting up again that she feels awful. She tells her friends that she’ll go to the clinic. Her friends are worried about her that Sayuri asks if Ninako would want her to accompany her. Ninako says that it is alright and they should just go to class. While walking away, she tells them that she’ll just get some medicine and she’ll be back in class. While Ninako walks to the clinic, she feels that her stomach is feeling much worse. Ren and friends spot Ninako walking in pain as she holds her stomach. Manabu asks what happened to her since her face looks awful. Ninako says that she just feels a little bad and she’ll be going to the clinic. With hearts all around, Manabu quickly looks at Ren for him to handle this. On cue, Ren tells the others to go ahead for he is going to bring Ninako to the clinic. Ninako is aghast that she exclaims that she is alright and Ren should go to class. Yutaro says that Ninako is slready having a hard time walking and it is much better if Ren accompanies her. Ninako is crying inside as she thinks that no one understands her feelings. Ren isn’t going to give up this opportunity either that with a sparkle on his eye, he tells Ninako, “I’m going with you.” Ninako is aghast and of course, she couldn’t refuse anymore. At the clinic, the teacher [in charge of clinic] isn’t there so Ren asks if eating some medicine will do. Ninako lamely says yes. She glances at Ren who is getting the medicine from the cabinet. She berates herself about her heart being moved [doki-doki] by Ren but in the end, it increased. Ren gives her the medicine and a glass of water. Ninako thanks him. He then apologizes to her for what he said before during the practice since it gave her more pressure. He thinks that she isn’t feeling well because of this. Ninako quickly denies that is the reason for what he said ‘saved’ her and it made her really happy. Ren blushes but tries to hide it. Ninako admits that she isn’t really doing her best like what Ren said. She tells him that there are some other things that made her a scatterbrain that she couldn’t fully cheer up. She thinks that it is the thing between Ren and Andou. Ninako smiles and tells Ren that it is thanks to him that she realizes that she should sincerely do what she has to do. “So, on the contrary, I should be thanking you.” This made Ren blush as he somewhat tries to hold his coat.

He changes the topic by asking if she drank the medicine. Ninako says she did. Ren asks her to give him back the glass. Ninako thanks him and give it to him. Their hands touch that made Ninako, on instinct, let go of the glass. Ren says that is dangerous that he quickly clasp her hands on the glass with his own hands. Ninako exclaims that is dangerous. Ren says yes. It is as if time stopped as they look at each other. The two blushes. Ren then takes the top of the glass with his other hand. Ren tells her that he feels that lately Ninako is listless. He asks her what happened. Ninako denies it by saying that she isn’t because she can shout out loud during that time if she is listless. Ninako is surprised when Ren asks if he won’t do. He says that Ninako told him before that by saying/talking, it would help one relax a bit. Ninako blushes and thinks so that is what he meant. Ren tells her that no matter what happens, she can tell him. “I hope to become more or less be your support. So, if there is anything you want to say, just tell me.” Ninako becomes depressed as she thinks that she couldn’t say anything. No matter if it about liking Ren, deciding to give up and uneasy about not telling the truth to everyone, she couldn’t tell it to Ren even as a friend. Ninako winces in pain since her stomach is acting up again. Ren apologizes for talking to her when she isn’t feeling well. He asks if she wants to sleep. Ninako agrees with his idea. While telling Ren to go back to class, she goes to bed and pulls up the blanket. After Ren left, Ninako starts wondering why she is making those important to her worry and she couldn’t say anything to them. She finds it strange that she kept on telling lies when she wanted to protect everyone. She starts crying. Suddenly, the door opens and someone is singing out loud about a ‘scab’ song [Kasabutabuta by Bump of Chicken] when Ninako sits up to see that it is Toda who is holding up his arm since he had a wound on his elbow. Toda is aghast upon seeing her crying. He goes to the cabinet looking for some bandage while exclaiming out loud that she is crying again, complaining that his wound hurts and looking for something to put on his wound. Ninako thinks that he is really so noisy. She tries to go back to bed. Ninako looks surprised when Toda asks, “What is it this time?”

After a pause, Ninako tells him that she has some friends who were always cheering for her but for some reason, she has to give up but she couldn’t tell them the reason why she’s giving up since it can bring up another person’s old pain. Even if she wants to say it, she couldn’t that so in the end, she ends up lying to everyone that makes her wonder what the heck she is doing. While Toda is trying to put a bandage on his elbow, Toda says, is that it. Ninako sits up and asks out loud why she can talk to him about this. She thinks, “To this kind of guy.” Toda says that the answer is simple. He turns around with a smile and says, “Because, with our relationship at this degree, it doesn’t really matter. The more important that person is, the more there is no way of telling that person anything because you don’t want the other to worry. So, it is much easier to say things to someone who isn’t that related to you. You simply want to find a place where you can spit out all your pain. Even I know the feeling of not wanting others to worry but aren’t you afraid that what you are doing will just create an opposite effect?” This surprises Ninako that she thinks because she didn’t say anything, even if they feel something happened, but still, they didn’t ask. In the end, it will make everyone more worried about her. Ninako mutters, “..ya..” While Toda is now trying to put the bandage horizontal instead of vertical to cover the wound, he tells her that it is because the others are important that she should tell them. After a pause, Ninako asks what she should do since she couldn’t talk about it. Toda looks at her and says, “The crucial problem isn’t about saying everything or not [saying everything]. What’s crucial is ‘posture*’.” [* in Chinese, it can also mean ‘position/stance’] Ninako sits up straight. Toda says that isn’t it. Basically, Ninako is thinking too much. “Isn’t it good to just say what you want to say? If you won’t say anything on the contrary will just make the other worry about you more. What’s really important is [doing it] that way will make one feel lonelier.” [Basically don’t shut yourself out from others, I guess.] Ninako wonders if it is really okay not to tell them everything but what’s important is to convey part of the feeling. Ninako thanks Toda and she will tell.. She finds out that Toda isn’t listening to her since he is more focused on how to bandage his wound properly. Toda then prepares to leave as he exclaims that even if he really doesn’t understand it really well but she should just take care, byebye.

After he left, the school bell is ringing again. Ninako holds her stomach and wonders if it is because of the medicine but her stomach isn’t hurting anymore. She decides to go back to class and quickly see everyone’s faces. She opens the door to see that her friends are outside. Tsukasa says that they come to check on her condition. She asks how Ninako is and if she is alright. Ninako feels as if it has been a long time since she has seen their faces. She happily says, “I really like you guys.” Blushing, Tsukasa asks what she is saying so sudden that it shocked her. Noriko giggles that Tsukasa is blushing. Ninako tells them that there is something she wants to tell them. Tamaki says, ya, we were waiting. Ninako looks surprised then she breaks into a smile. “Sorry to keep you guys waiting.” At the hallway, Ren spots Toda with his friend. His friend holds Toda’s elbow which has six bandages on his wound and asks what’s up with that and he really likes ‘being strange’. Toda tells him that it is because he couldn’t put it properly that he asks someone to help him that it turned out like that. His friend asks whom he asked to help him, is it the teacher [from the clinic]. Toda says that it is a female kouhai. Eavesdropping Ren thinks that it is Ninako. Toda’s friend says that situation is really suspicious and is that kouhai very cute. Toda exclaims, ah that girl. He laughs and then he says, “But hm-- she can become cute.” He thinks, “Just like bean sprout.” This surprises Ren that he turns around to look at Toda who passed by him. Ren nervously thinks that this is bad because right now, he feels more anxious. Hehe, I can’t help think that this is such a delightful misunderstanding since Toda is really making Ren anxious and jealous that it would probably be a matter of time before he confesses. I like what the author seems to be trying to say about Toda. Everyone seem to think him as ‘strange and loud’, judging him based on their first impression on him but he turns out to be the unlikely person who has been a great help to Ninako during these past few days. Ninako surely didn’t expect it too because he has been name-calling her and scolding her most of the time. I like how he influenced her regarding shouting out loud during the cheering. It does help take out some pent up emotions. He also become an unlikely confidant who could give her some sort of advice even if he doesn’t seem really serious about it. =P I think Ninako’s stomachache is because of stress since it seems to clear up when she realizes what to do with Toda’s help. It is also nice to have friends like the ones Ren and Ninako have. They all supportive and patient ^^ Well, in the last chapter we have a hug, and this time, we have ‘holding hands’. Will the author give us more next time? ^^

Chapter 31:After Ninako told them, Tsukasa says that she understands yet doesn’t understands it. Ninako apologizes for not clearly explaining it to them. Tsukasa says that isn’t what she meant but rather since they don’t know the reason, they are anxious about what they can do for her. Sayuri says that even if it is like that, they are very happy that she decided to tell them. Ninako tells them that after being gloomy by herself, she also feels good that she told them. “It’s really great to have friends..” She thinks that her feelings are in chaos but because of this, she feels more relaxed. Her friends smile and are also happy with what she said. Ninako thinks that it is really great that she is with everyone and she is able to tell them. She remembers what Toda told her about telling things to her important people so she decided to thank him for it. At the train station, Ren and friends are waiting for the train. Ren glances at the side and sees Toda standing at the other side. Manabu comments that it is the club head. He then happily exclaims what’s with those [five] bandages on his elbow..what kind of sticking is that. The train has already arrived and Ren just tells Manabu to just go in. Puzzled Manabu says that Ren seems to be angry. Ren denies it. As they go in, Ren looks back to see Ninako walking downstairs. Manabu mentions that it is Ninako. He wonders if she has seen them. Ninako looks up and notices something. Ren’s eyes widen when Ninako starts running to the other side where Toda is. Ninako wants to thank him. Ren suddenly goes down from the train and runs to hold Ninako’s hand to prevent her from going on the train. Ninako is surprised when Ren pulled her to him. Ninako is puzzled as the train door’s closes and leaves. Ren asks, “Why were you headed to that other side?” Puzzled Ninako tells him that it is because the club head is at that side. While Ren is asking why she is going to where that club head is, he suddenly snaps out of it and says that he shouldn’t be asking why when they are in the same oendan group. “I’m sorry for asking such a strange question..” Still a bit puzzled, Ninako tells him, “It is because I made the club head listen as I pour out my [pained] feelings so I want to thank him..and..” Ren looks surprised. Ninako is surprised when he holds her arm and says, “It really makes me unhappy that you didn’t say those things to me.” Ninako is aghast about making him unhappy. Ren asks, “Why is it that I won’t do?” [Ah, like what couldn’t you tell me instead?] Blushing a bit, Ninako thinks that for him to say that in such a hoarse voice would make her heartbeat more that she does not understand her feelings. She blushes and looks away while saying that she knows that Ren is a really caring friend. “But for you to say that, what will happen if I misunderstand it?!” Blushing Ren says, “I said it like that because towards Kinoshita-classmate, you..” [Ah, it’s pretty much a confession in mid-sentence.]

Someone calls out, “Ah” Ninako exclaims that it is Manabu. Ren is surprised by this. Peeking from the post, Manabu holds up his hand to acknowledge them as he nervously says, hi. An arrow points that Manabu has unconsciously went down the train with Ren. Standing in between the two in the train, Manabu tries to make some casual talk. When the train has arrived at a certain station, I think Ren is going to say that is his stop but Manabe says that is where the two of them are going down. Ren is a bit surprised but goes along with Manabe. Ren apologizes again to Ninako for what happened earlier. The two boys then bid her goodbye. She also bids them goodbye. Ninako thinks that lately, there are times when Ren seems to make her really misunderstand things or perhaps makes her/him want to stick around so, it makes things difficult [for her]. At the park, with some drinks, Manabu apologizes to Ren for interrupting him a while ago. Ren says that it is alright but Ninako thinks that his actions are just because he is a concerned friend. Manabu asks him when it started that Ren started to, really like Ninako since he is really shock to see Ren anxiously going out the train to chase after her. Blushing, Ren looks away and says that he also surprised himself that he didn’t know that he is the type of person who can easily become anxious. Manabu comments that he thinks that Ren in confusion/disarray is also very cool. Ren doesn’t seem too happy about that comment. Then he says, “I’ll wait until the sports day to end and afterwards, I’ll confess.” With hearts all around, Manabu happily thinks, “Woohoo..!! Finally!!” He then looks surprised and gloomy since he has forgotten about something. Manabu asks him what if Ninako already has someone she likes. Ren says he knows but he also doesn’t want this kind of dragging along, to continue. Manabu asks is that so. Ren says that is so. Manabu asks if he is alert for the club head. Ren says that he is truly unhappy about it. Manabu wonders out loud as to what the club head has that Ren doesn’t have. “Could it be a wild side?” Ren thinks about this.

On the sports day, Toda exclaims for B group [B section] to assemble and follow him. He then says to wait since it is hot, so he wants to take off his coat/polo shirt. He takes it off, crumples it into a ball and throws it to the side. He then exclaims for them that they are going. Ren thinks that rather than having a wild side, maybe it should be called as boorish. Andou happily tells Ninako for them to do their best during the oendan competition. Ninako says yes. Ren casually mentions that he’ll also do his best. This made Andou exclaim that it has nothing to do with him when he is talking about the oendan competition. Ren just says that he said that because Ninako would cheer for him so he’ll do his best. While the three walk together, Andou is speechless angry at Ren, Ren just walks with a bit of determined-cute expression and blushing Ninako thinks that is dangerous because she almost misunderstood Ren. And so, the 15th Sports Festival begins. Andou then asks Ren what he is doing a while ago, for calmly flirting [show off] like that. Ren says that it is inevitable to do that since no matter what, he is also unwilling to treat Andou as the opposite sex [no special treatment? Not sure about that line]. Looking at Andou, Ren declares, “I do not want to lose to anyone.” Andou just quietly looks at him. So, there are many competitions being held like throwing as many balls as you can on a basket, three legged race, tug of war, riding on a kiddie bike and oendan. [My favorite is throwing the balls scene because instead of throwing in the basket, Andou hits Ren’s head with a ball =P ] Manabu asks Andou what’s the next competition. Looking at a flyer, Andou says that it is an inter-year [like all section B in school] relay race. Manabu exclaims that the points in the relay race are quite high so they should do their best. Andou tells him to leave this to him since he can really run fast. I think he said that he’s the last one of the second group. Manabu says that he’ll anticipate it. When the announcer tells the participants of the relay race to gather, Andou says that he’ll be going. Manabu wishes him luck. Andou passes by Ren and he tells Ren, “Me, too. I don’t want to- lose to anyone.”

As the contestants gather, Andou calls out as to who is the one representing the first year. A girl says, here. Andou turns around to see that it is Mao. After looking surprised, with somewhat distrusting eyes, Andou asks why she is there when the name of the contestant written isn’t her. Mao says that her classmate who is going to run is injured so she is the replacement. Andou tells her to quit lying and what she is planning. Mao didn’t reply. Andou continues to say that it is too bad for he will put everything on this contest and he doesn’t want her to once again ruin.. He is interrupted when a limping girl calls out to Mao. The girl apologizes to Mao that it is her fault that she got injured that Mao has to be her substitute for this race. Mao tells her not to mind that but rather, she should quickly to go the clinic. The girl bids her goodbye and good luck. Mao looks somewhat sad. Andou approaches her and promptly apologizes to her. Mao looks surprised. Mao says that it is nothing and he doesn’t need to apologize. Andou says how could he do that [not apologize], for he has [misunderstood] everything.. Flustered Mao shouts, “That’s enough, there’s no need to apologize.” Someone then tells everyone to go to their positions for the race. Mao turns around and tells him not to worry for she will seriously run this race. Andou looks at her as she walks away and wonders what’s up with that. And the race starts. Manabu happily comments that B section is currently at second place. Ninako is leading the cheering with the others. Soon, Mao gets the baton. Tsukasa exclaims that girl runs fast. Ninako realizes that it is Mao. While Mao is running, Andou thinks that Mao is really seriously running. Soon, the difference from the first place contestant is narrowed down. Everyone is excited as they keep on cheering. At the turn, Mao manages to pass by the other girl. Unfortunately, she made a wrong footing that she fell down. Too bad, the other runners are passing by her while Mao tries to get her baton back. Mao hears the others talking that they cannot get first place anymore and it seems that Mao is hurt..nevertheless, gambatte. As she stands up, she is surprised to hear Andou calling out to her, “Mao, only a little bit and it’s over!! Relax and leave the rest to me. It will definitely be alright!” This made Mao run fast and pass the baton to Andou. Andou exclaims, “Very good, you did great!” Mao is breathing hard as she watches Andou’s back who starts running really fast.

Everyone comments that Andou is really fast that he pretty much fly by the others and he is now in second place though the one in first place is also fast. Andou can only curse that the one ahead of him is fast and that isn’t reassuring. To Ren’s friends’ surprise, Ren shouts, “Andou sprint--” Still running, Andou thinks, “Shut up- Even if you don’t say it, I already know that, stupid Ren.” Ninako + friends and Mao watch with mouths open over Andou’s photo finish win. Immediately after winning, Andou looks at Ninako. He flashes a v-sign as Ninako exclaims that he’s awesome. The others are cheering for Andou. He turns around to look for Mao but she isn’t around. He just thinks, forget it, it doesn’t matter. The other guys are praising Andou that he’s a hero, awesome, and why is he blushing. Andou just tells them that he’s dead tired and he wants some water. At some bushes near the sink, Mao is sitting down and remembering Andou calling her name. She becomes teary eyed. On cue, Andou arrives at the sink. He is surprised to see her. He just goes to the sink and asks her if it really hurts where she tripped. “If that is so, shouldn’t you quickly go to the clinic?” Mao thanks him. When he seems puzzled, she explains that it is for cheering her on after she tripped. Andou says that he didn’t do it because of her but rather, it is for them to win. With a tear in her eye, Mao says, “Even if it is like that, I’m still very happy.” Andou looks surprised. He just says, really then she can be happy if she wants to. After Andou drinks some water, Mao apologizes to him. He asks what it is for this time. While crying, Mao confesses that she has told Ninako about what happened between Andou and Ren before. “I also told her that it is because of me that your relationship with Ichinose-sempai is severed. I thought that by doing this, Ninako-sempai won’t get close to Ichinose-sempai anymore.” Andou looks surprised by this then he looks away. With a sad look, he looks up and thinks, “Wha—at..in the end, it seems that Ninako still..she’s lying [about not liking Ren anymore].” Andou then says, “Even if you did that, it is still impossible for Ren to like you just because of this. You are so stupid. Each and everyone are the same. Everyone really likes Ren that much, right?” Crying Mao shouts, “I’m not the same! The one I like is Takumi!” Andou looks at her in surprise.

So, after all that Andou has gone through, isn’t it very sad that the only one who would love him in the end is the one who hurt him the most? So, it seems that Mao is indeed helping Andou to be happy by somehow helping him with Ninako. Mao seems to be making herself suffer for what she did by letting Andou say things to her based on his assumption that she is still after Ren. She doesn’t protest much or answer back just like when Andou doesn’t believe her that her classmate is injured so she’s joining the contest. I guess she isn’t that cheeky to ask him to like her back though that last part does seem like a confession. After being ‘betrayed’ and such, Mao has a lot of work to do if she wants to win Andou back. I made me think that it is like how you can start loving and trusting someone who had ‘cheated’ you once. Everything that person does will be thought with a hint of suspicion and doubt. Based on what she said before about coming to like Andou while going steady with him, maybe Mao did come to like him but she still couldn’t quite give up on Ren. She kissed Ren to know if she still has feelings for him. It’s like ‘being sure’ that she won’t have regrets if she forget about Ren and go with Andou. Well, I guess it is her bad luck that Andou happens to see it...and a lot of others, too. Anyway, is it after much reflection and being separated from Andou made her realize that Andou is the one she likes? No matter what, it is still like an ‘after thought’ and for Andou, it still feels awful as if he is some sort of consolation prize, second fiddle to Ren. With Mao crying and confessing like that especially with Andou feeling down about Ninako’s lie, he might actually give her another chance unless his pride won’t let him. I like the first part when Ren chased after Ninako. Hehe, the guy is really jealous and I find it really amusing that he’s now the one doing the ‘chasing’. Unfortunately for him, Ninako still thinks that he thinks of her as a friend. Well, it will be end of sports day confession..hopefully, it will turn out alright the first time. ^^

Quote of the day:
A word is not a crystal, transparent and unchanged, it is the skin of a living thought and may vary greatly in color and content according to the circumstances and the time in which it is used. ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

Help with Strobe Edge Names
Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Can someone tell me what are the names of Ninako’s friends? I already know Sayuri but who are the other three? I got a couple of names but I don’t know who’s who and I don’t have time to search for it in English/Chinese scans. Thanks in advance for the help ^^ Obviously, I’m currently summarizing this. =P Surely, it will be finished by this week. Hopefully, earlier ^^; Got to go, I have a ‘eat together’ with the family tonight.

Thank you Airi, Sara, and Meryl for the help ^^

Reimei no Arcana -Dawn of the Arcana- [Chapter 14]
Tuesday, April 13, 2010

They finally arrive at the other palace. Nakaba looks at it that Caesar asks what it is. Caesar is taken aback when Nakaba comments that it is quite wasteful. Caesar says that it is originally used by his uncle and aunt, but forget it, right now, there are just some people cleaning the place so now, they can use it. Nakaba is surprised when Loki holds her shoulder. Loki tells Nakaba that it is a bit cold at the mountain side so they should quickly go in. Loki somewhat smiles. Nakaba smiles back and says he’s right. Nakaba calls out to Lamelia that they should go in. The three go in, leaving Belias and speechless Caesar. Belias looks up the sky and says that from the looks of it, the weather might change [for the worse]. Caesar says that will make things difficult for tomorrow, they will go to that half-human village. Caesar asks if Belias hasn’t reported to his father yet. Belias says yes with a bit of hesitation. Turning around, Caesar tells him to just let his father think that they stayed at the palace for the time being then they’ll just cleverly trick the other servants before going to the village. Belias just look at Caesar who walks away. In the palace, Lamelia is quite excited while showing things to Nakaba who is accompanied by Loki. That night, at the hallway, there is a scene of Caesar wearing the earrings that Nakaba bought for him. Belias informs them that dinner is ready so please go to the drawing/living room. The servants [Loki and Lito] are to eat at a different room. Lamelia will be with Belias in his room. Just as Caesar is leading Nakaba away, Caesar notices Nakaba has a pleading look so he asks what it is. Nakaba goes to puzzled Belias and tells him that she wants to eat with everyone, together with him [Belias] and Lamelia. Belias smiles and says he understands so just wait a moment as he prepares it. Soon, a table of food and wine is prepared for them all except for Belias. Nakaba asks about him but Belias just says there is no need for him [to eat with them] and he thanks her concern. Nakaba notices that Loki looks somewhat irritated. She asks him about it. Loki says that it is nothing but the fragrance of the flowers [in a vase nearby] is quite strong. Caesar says really, no wonder he is a dog. To everyone’s shock [love their reactions], Loki says that they keep on saying dog this and dog that but actually, he is a wolf. Then, Loki mutters that Nakaba actually also thought that he’s a.. Belias seems to be suppressing his laughter.

Lamelia tells them not to talk about that. She offers some delicious grapes to Nakaba. Caesar offers her some wine. Loki just eats silently. Nakaba is having a good time. Later on, Nakaba feels sleepy that she wonders if it is because of the wine. Soon, she fell asleep on the chair. It is morning when Nakaba wakes up to find her hands tied behind her back. She finds Loki and Lito leaning towards her to ask if she is alright. Their hands are also tied behind their back. Caesar is also tied up. He says that they were caught off guard and it is done by Belias. There is a sleeping medicine in the food. Loki says that he committed a blunder for the fragrance of the flowers had made his nose less sensitive. Someone asks why Belias did such a thing. From outside the locked room, Belias tells them that he did it so that they won’t go to the half-human village. Caesar exclaims what the meaning of this is. Belias just apologizes to him. Caesar shouts if Belias is betraying him. Looking somewhat tense, Belias tells him that he cannot disobey the king. Belias thinks that is right, since Caesar is young, he has always been taking care of him that their relationship is as if they are brothers but rebelling against the king can stain his family’s prestige and he doesn’t want Lamelia to be caught up with some misfortune. Belias tells them to just stay there. “Caesar-sama knows about the ‘fighting’ and wanted to hinder it, I can help you keep this a secret [not to tell the king that they know].” For Belias, this is the greatest limit as to what he can utmost do [for them]. Belias leaves the helpless foursome in the room. Then, Belias informs Lamelia that Nakaba and others have already left. Belias says that they went to the forest because after all, this is their wedding trip. Lamelia couldn’t believe that she is just discarded like that. Belias tells her that she shouldn’t always disturb Caesar. Displeased Lamelia looks at Belias [probably to see if he is lying] that Belias turns away and says that he has some affairs to attend to so she should be good and stay there. After he left, Lamelia looks thoughtful. She wonders what her brother is hiding. She then goes out of the room and out of the palace.

Soon, it is night and it starts to snow. Nakaba looks out the window and thinks this is the reason why she is cold. She shivers. Loki calls out to her to come to him. Nakaba snuggles near Loki much to Caesar’s displeasure since Loki has beaten him to it. =P Lito seems to have fallen asleep. Caesar then wonders what they should do next. As the snow storm rages on, Nakaba and others are standing near the door as they think that something is happening with the entire ruckus outside. Caesar calls out Belias as to what is happening. Coincidentally, Belias is outside the door. After a pause, Belias admits that they couldn’t find Lamelia and she could have gone to the forest. Caesar asks if she went during this snow storm and when did they realize that she is gone. Belias says that they don’t know and it is possible that she is gone around noon. Nakaba tensely mutters about Lamelia going to the forest alone. She starts to fear if ‘that’ [dream of Lamelia being stabbed] could be ‘what’s happening’ now. She wonders if it is happening tonight, now or it has already happened. The guys are surprised when Nakaba suddenly uses her body to hit the door. She shouts for Belias to let her out. Belias asks what she is saying and it is useless, he won’t let her out. Nakaba shouts that she’ll help in looking for Lamelia since the more people would help, the better it is. Caesar shouts for her to stop talking such foolishness for if that is so, then he’ll be the one to look for Lamelia. Belias exclaims that he couldn’t agree to it since he couldn’t let Caesar go. Nakaba shouts that it will suffice if she’s the only one [whom he’ll let go]. Belias continues to protest but he is taken aback by Nakaba’s insistence that she should go and Belias should let her go. Loki then offers Belias a proposal. He promises him that they won’t leave that place. “In exchange, you are to release Princess Nakaba right now. If you don’t, I’ll bite off Prince Caesar’s neck, and kill him.” Caesar looks at Loki then to Loki’s surprise, Caesar plays along by telling Belias to save him else he’ll be killed. Belias finally relents. He goes in the room and unties Nakaba. Caesar calls out to Nakaba and tells her to wear his cape. Nakaba puts it on and thanks him. Caesar reminds her not to be reckless. Loki can only worriedly call out her name. Nakaba somewhat nods. Outside the room, Nakaba tells Belias that she will definitely bring Lamelia back. Nakaba runs off. Belias still looks flustered and tense as he thinks that even if he let the princess go, being alone, there isn’t much she can do.

Nakaba goes out of the palace and finds the wind a bit too strong. She covers her face and looks determined. She runs towards the forest with thoughts of saving Lamelia. Back in the room, Loki asks Caesar if he really thinks that he [Loki] will kill him. Caesar replies, “First of all, it isn’t that easy to get rid of me. Secondly, you also couldn’t kill me.” Loki looks surprised. Caesar continues, “You cannot do anything that will let Nakaba down.” [= or which will make him apologize to Nakaba] After a pause, [I think] Loki says that isn’t nice to say. Lito looks out the window to see that it is still snowing hard. He wonders out loud if Nakaba is alright. Nakaba is still running in the forest while calling out to Lamelia. She starts to become worried that she couldn’t find Lamelia. She wonders where Lamelia has gone to. She then slips and falls on the snow. Looking at the forest, she wonders if she can find Lamelia in this snow storm. She then wonders if she can see where Lamelia went using her ‘Time’s Arcana’. She opens her eyes and mentally thinks about seeing Lamelia. Much to Nakaba’s dismay, it didn’t work. “What should I do, at this time, could it be that Lamelia might have already been stabbed by a sword? Perhaps, she might even have already frozen to death? What should I do? What should I do? What should I do?” She thinks of Caesar who reminds her not to be reckless. She thinks of Loki who is worried about her. She then remembers Ajilu telling her that power is a miracle. “Did you know? If a person uses the Time’s Aracana, the color of their pupils changes into red.” Nakaba smiles and thinks, “I can see.” Somewhat nervous, she pulls up her sleeve and takes out her knife. She wounds her arm and blood starts dripping. She looks at the blood and thinks, “Receiving stimulation..excitement..change into red..turn into red..”

Hehe, and the joke of Caesar still cannot get his much time alone with Nakaba continues. I find it really funny how they reacted that Loki isn’t a dog but a wolf. Well, they really got their guards down. I guess they think that since Belias is close with Caesar, he won’t do anything bad to them. Well, he didn’t but he did stall their plans. I cannot really blame Belias for what he did because he is the older brother, probably first son, so he has a heavy responsibility to uphold his clan’s prestige and of course, protect his cute little sister. Unfortunately for him, it is because of him that Lamelia left the palace secretly. I’m still wondering as to why Belias himself with probably some men going to the forest to look for his sister. Is it to guard Caesar and the others? Could it be that he also has a role in the palace that he cannot leave? Maybe, it is to keep up the alibi that Caesar and others just stayed in the palace though that contradicts of his want to give his sister happiness. Since what is the use if his sister dies. I guess Belias hasn’t thought that far about his sister dying. It didn’t occur to him why Nakaba is so frantic to help and save Lamelia when she just got to know Lamelia just a few days ago. Well, finally, Nakaba is going to use her power. Hm..I think the arcana is a bit eratic since it sometimes works without seeing blood or when she is just dreaming. Maybe it is as mentioned before, it has only started to awaken so it is like that. Well, hopefully, Lamelia is safe. Scans by Tongyanen for iieye.

Quote of the day:
Trouble is what gives a fellow a chance to discover his strength – or lack of it. ~ Author Unknown

Mishounen Produce [Chapter 4]
Monday, April 12, 2010

At the roof, during lunch, Kako happily informs Kosei that he is going to participate in a beauty contest [school’s prettiest girl/prom queen-type of contest]. [I’ll be using the romanji of his name, Kosei Yagami as written in the cover] Kosei isn’t too thrilled about it as he imagines himself cross-dressing. Kosei is with his pet frog [from the last chapter]. Kako says that he isn’t going to join the contest but rather, he is going to be the ‘prize’. Kako shows him a letter from the organizers asking if Kosei could be the prize for the contest. Then, there is a short recap about Kako ‘producing/makeover’ her childhood friend, Kosei and right now, he is a model of Jumon magazine. The flashback shows Kosei asking Kako what his new pet is. He is holding a squirrel behind his back. Kako tries to guess what it is from frog, monkey, bear, etc. End flashback. Holding the letter, Kosei says that he knows that the organizers are trying to liven up the contest but about the ‘prize’ being ‘the right to date Prince Kosei’, does Kako want him to agree to that. Kako happily goes on talking about the goal of Kosei’s makeover is for him to become the ‘campus leader’ and be ‘the guy whom girls would fight over with’. “Don’t you think that’s really important?” Thinking that Kosei used to be laughed at for being a country bumpkin, Kako happily says that Kosei will be the school’s number 1. Kosei can just smile [= fake smile]. Kosei just says, he understands. He stands up and stretches. The frog drops on the floor. He says that this will be the last activity but then, the ‘right to date’ isn’t that grand. Trying to hold the frog, Kako asks what he meant by last activity though it is true that this is the last huge event for the first term. Kosei says, “Huh? Haven’t I told you? I..I’m transferring school.” Kako just look at him. The other girls are screaming about the news that Kosei is the victory prize for the beauty contest and he is transferring school. Kosei addresses the girls, “Sorry, kittens, for making your faces be filled with pain and tears. My crime is quite grave. I will offer compensation but it isn’t enough to just offer ‘a right to date’. I’ll give you something more special-- my kiss of atonement.” Girls screams, “Prince Kosei!”

Kako asks Kosei what’s with the transfer of school and that kiss. Kako takes out her Lawrence and the Rose manga and says that the kiss is important since in her manga, it happened in volume 90. [The manga has 98 volumes..somehow I feel that the author is poking fun at some shoujo ^^; I think a note that it isn’t easy to write a shoujo wherein the kiss will be in volume 90] Blushing as she covers her face, Kako says that at a certain kingdom, Lawrence-sama is hurt while protecting Princess Anna. While she is crying to him, Lawrence tells her to smile and he will feel satisfied. In that life and death situation, they kissed. Kako then asks Kosei what school he is transferring to. Kosei says he is going to a certain 掘小越 [Jue Xiao Yue in Chinese; don’t know the romanji, if you know just tell me] academy where many famous people study. Kako is then surprised to hear about this. Kosei asks if she knows about it. Kako says of course, it is Japan’s largest arts branch where famous people gather including idols and artists, etc. There are a lot of people who wanted to enter that school every year in order to be with the artists. The competition is usually 40 times fiercer than a normal school. Kosei tells her that Jumon’s editor told him that it would be easier for him to mix work with studies there so he asked if he [Kosei] wants to go study there. “Our makeover has led us up to this stage.” Kako then thinks that if Kosei transferred to that place.. On the stairs above, Kosei holds Kako’s manga and says that this ‘makeover’ thing is what she wanted from the start. Kako’s heart beats and she admits that it is true. Holding her manga, Kosei smiles and says, “If you don’t want me to go..you only have to say it, then I’ll give up on that thought.” Kako slaps him hard. Kosei touches his slapped cheek in pain. Kako angrily shouts, “You can do what you want whether it is about the kiss or transferring school! Stupid Kosei!” She is angry that he can still smile about it.

Later on, Kako starts to snub him whenever she sees him. At the roof, Kako is reading her manga. Roy comes and says that it seems that they can actually quarrel. Roy tells her that the one whom she is quarreling is surrounded by his fans almost all of the time whereas she.. Kako just asks him what he wants because right now, she is in a good mood while reading about Princess Anna’s confession. Roy says that she is pitiful like that so he’ll accompany her. Kako admits to Roy that they almost never quarreled since in the village, the two of them are the only kids. From the start, she always follows Kosei in going to places and before she knew it, Kosei starts playing with her. Flashback: Young Kako is reading when Kosei called out to her and said that right now, think of the ground as the sea and the grass as land. Kako asked what he meant by that. He exclaimed that she fell on the sea and will be eaten by the shark. Soon, they are playing pretend. Kako is saying that she sees a river. Kosei is saying that he can’t go there because he is at Mt. Everest. [He is on a tree] End flashback. “With Kosei, even if it is just a plain boring rustic path, it can become into a special, beautiful world. Kosei always gives me happiness--...” Kako tells Roy but now, Kosei would do things on his own. Roy says, “So that’s it, you always depend on him before. I don’t quite understand about that whether to makeover or not, but it is truly selfish for you to want him to give you happiness. Isn’t it inevitable if you are discarded [by him] now?” Kako looks surprised and asks herself if she is the selfish one. She overhears some screams that she looks down to see Kosei walking towards a car at the gate. Kako exclaims that it’s the publisher’s car and if today is his photo shoot. Roy just watches Kako as she runs off. At the studio, Kazuma, the editor of Jumon tells Kosei that today is a special photo shoot for the cover of Jumon and Kosei is to help drum up excited by looking stylish and flirty. Kosei comments that the editorial department is really putting him in an important position. Kazuma says that even if he is chosen as Jumon Boy, but formally the title is just a ‘reader model’ [understudy model?] but for Kosei to be promoted that he’ll be in the cover now, this hasn’t happened in the history of Jumon before. Posing for the camera, he says that he is very honored.

Kazuma mentions about hearing that Kosei will be the prize for their school’s beauty pageant. He finds it really glamorous that he’ll go with some television crew to cover it. He cannot let this great theme/subject pass by. Kazuma says that he admires Kosei for deciding to transfer school because before he asked Kosei so many times and he kept on refusing. He tells the staff to bring out some roses. [I’m not sure but it seems that] Kosei sees Koka glancing around at the side. Posing along with some roses, Kosei says, “..Don’t mind that..I’m also taking advantage of you guys.” Kazuma happily exclaims that it appeared [referring to Kosei’s expression]. Koka is surprised and she thinks that Kosei is having fun while modeling that even if she isn’t around and he doesn’t feel awkward at all. Kazuma happily exclaims that is that boy’s greatest weapon, ‘entertainment spirit’ which is giving people/viewers a dream-like world. Kako reflects on this. At school, she overhears some girls that they are going on a diet for the beauty contest tomorrow. One girl says that she only has been drinking water while the other girl says that even water, she isn’t drinking. A note says that is dangerous, do not imitate. Kosei transferring school has made her really sad but thanks to him, school life has been really fun. “He created a beautiful dream for me.” Kako remembers the times she played with Kosei and thinks, “So that’s it..”. Kako goes to Kosei who is resting up the tree and calls out to him. Kosei asks if she is now paying attention to him. He smiles and says, “When I’m not around, you feel lonely, right?” Kako says, “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I was angry.” Smiling at Kosei, Kako tells him, “I’ll support your school transfer and also giving a kiss to the school beauty queen. You should go ahead and do it!” Kosei looks stunned-aghast [ya, like your plan backfired]. Kako is thinking that it is no longer just her but all sorts of people are made happy by Kosei and this is such a great thing. Kosei sadly asks if what she is saying is true. Kako says, “Of course, I’m very serious [about this].” She remembers about the time when she is uneasy whether she can blend in since she is going to the study junior high at the capital. Kosei happily told her not to worry because no matter where, he’ll be there [for her]. This made Kako blush and smile. End flashback. Kako thinks, “So..I will also..”

It is the day of the beauty contest with a summer setting. The special stage is made near the seaside. The mood is quite high because of the television coverage and also because the grand prize is a ‘bishounen’ [pretty boy]. Hehe, Kosei is just dressed up in ribbons on top and what..towel below his waist plus dog collar chain on the neck. [Fan service? ^^;;] Kosei winks and greets them, ‘signorina’. The host is asking if this is allowed by the ethics committee/censors. I think Kazuma exclaims that it is okay since it is just for fun and if he isn’t part of the broadcast company, from the start.. The host shouts that there is no need for more talk/explanation since they should quickly start the contest for they have 312 contestants otherwise, it will be sunset soon. “This great reckless war of girls’ perseverance and desire starts!” On stage, Kosei looks sad then he notices something backstage. His eyes widen in surprise. Backstage, someone is asking if all the competitors are to assemble backstage. Kosei grabs Kako’s hand and exclaims what she is doing there. Kako is wearing an afro-like wig, dress, hibiscus garland and one hibiscus on the wig, and glasses. On her shoulder is the mascot..I mean, the frog with a similar wig. Kako happily exclaims if he still don’t get it after seeing her get-up. She is also joining the beauty contest. With a look of disbelief, Kosei asks if she is going to compete in that. Kako tells him that Kosei pretty much has a skill [/talent]. Before, she always depends on him. Thinking that with only the two of them together, some interesting thing will automatically come about, but this time’s makeover is her. She thinks, “Yes, this is..the last game..” Looking determined, Kako says, “I have no way of competing against others based on physical appearance or talent so I just use a frog and I’ll do the hula [grass skirt - Hawaiian] dance in order to get the votes of those who likes animals and comedy. When television shows want ratings, they use comedy, animals and children themes. I can also follow this pattern. I will..make Kosei happy.” The host then starts shouting about the contest starting as all sorts of girls starts to parade on the stage. Who will be the winner who’ll get the kiss?

After recovering from his surprise, Kosei put his hand on his face and mutters, “Geez--you really are..there is a limit in making a mistake about the situation, do you think that you can defeat others by wearing that kind of get-up..” Holding the frog to Kosei, Kako exclaims for him not to underestimate the strength of their hula dance. “Froggie, jump and show him!” Kosei says, “You want me to be happy?” He grabs her and pulls her away. “If that is how it is, you should have prepared some other speech! ..listen well, this is the only time, wherein I, will help you get a makeover.” Roy is watching with the audience when the host calls out number 128 to come out onstage. The curtain opens and Kosei brings out ‘makeover’ Kako with her hair down and no glasses. The hibiscus garland is gone as well as the wig. Everyone including Roy is surprised. Kako is also surprised when Kosei starts narrating the lines in her manga. “Come..smile!” Kosei kisses her hand and says, “Only your smile can make my heart satisfied.” Kako is flustered as she thinks that she obviously said that she’ll make him happy. It is Kosei’s turn to be surprised when teary-eyed Kako says, “Don’t be like that..this will make me say, I won’t want to leave you..” She looks surprised to see Kosei blushing and smiling. Kazuma and others are delighted by this. Roy looks thoughtful. Blushing Kako’s eyes widen as Kosei leans as if to kiss her. Then, there’s a loud scream. And so, that is how the difficult situation in the beauty contest concluded. There is a scene of guys exclaiming as to who that girl is, who is Seiyou Academy’s beauty queen this year and why couldn’t they find her after searching for her throughout the school. Kako has already returned back to her usual daily life. Kako exclaims in surprise about her going to Jue Xiao Yue Academy, too. She asks why. Kosei says that he asked the editor about it and he approved since for him, one or two going to that school is no big deal. Kako exclaims that isn’t important but why she is also going there, too. Kosei says, “Weren’t you suppose to make me happy? Your skill is still not enough, isn’t it right? Producer.” Narration: “And this is how our ‘game’ has come to an end.” Flustered Kako smiles and says, “..All of a sudden, you decided on your own about transferring school, and now, you also decided on your own that I’ll also transfer school. You..really!” Narration: “And now, going to a new stage.” Pointing up, Kako happily tells Kosei that Kosei has to keep up with the next makeover plan. There is a scene of Roy reading a book on pointers of how to get in Jue Xiao Yue Academy mid-way of the school term. Kosei then says, “Hey, Kako, you still haven’t received the ‘prize’.” Kako exclaims, “Eh? I don’t need it. I didn’t compete for the prize.” Kosei shivers and darkly asks, “..don’t need it? Is that so..” Puzzle Kako asks what happened to him.

Hehe, gambatte Kosei! You fell in love with a really dense (about your and her own feelings) girl. What Kosei did is really a gamble because he hoped that Kako would realize her own feelings if he is going to leave her and also maybe Kako would feel some jealousy if he is to kiss some other girl. The first one will work because as a ‘special friend’, she would definitely miss him. But the second one is still a bit too far-fetched because if it is a simple kiss with no romantic feelings = just a reward, Kako would really not think too much about it. Maybe if it is a love rival, Kako will really feel jealous..okay, maybe even actually seeing him kiss another girl might work. =P I think it is nice of Kosei to still continue with the contest even if his plan to get Kako to realize his/her own feelings isn’t working. I guess he has his own word of honor but then, I wonder if he will still have it if Kako is really not going with him to his new school. Hehe, maybe whatever happened during the contest, Kosei can always ask the editor to get Kako to transfer with him. I don’t think Kako will reject the idea anyway. I also wonder if the editor knows that ‘girl’ is Kako and she is the only one who can bring out the best of Kosei especially during those photo shoots. I have been thinking as to why Kosei didn’t just confess to Kako to get it over with. Surely, she’ll be surprised but she’ll also accept his feelings but I guess Kosei wants it to be mutual and, not like Kako is forced to accept because he confessed – do not want to hurt him. It will also create some potential awkwardness. I think Kosei has been in love with her for such a long, long time since they were a kid that he has been ‘creating’ all sorts of dream-like world for her to make the girl he loves happy. As I mentioned before, Kako isn’t a selfish girl so she can share him with others even if it somewhat saddens her. Just like Kako, I think Kosei doesn’t want Kako to be laughed at by other people. This is probably one of the reasons why he helped give her a makeover even if he really doesn’t want to. I think that Kako couldn’t give herself a great makeover like what she does to Kosei is because she lacks self-confidence. She doesn’t think that she is pretty or cute enough. Maybe next time when Kosei gives her a makeover, he shows how she looks like on the mirror =P Well, at least Kosei finally hears what he wanted to hear from her that she doesn’t want him to leave. ^^ Kosei is really patient with her that he is somehow content with just giving her hints but I wonder for how long can he endure it. I think Roy now knows who that girl is that he is also going to transfer to that new school. Well, without those two, that school would be boring for Roy. So, the next stage will be many more idols and rivals in school because I think those three other guys from Jumon probably also study in the same school. From a ‘game’, it will become their future occupations. I’m curious where the story will lead to and hopefully more nice scenes of the two and great makeovers. ^^ Scans by whitesunnie for BW.

Quote of the day:
Do what makes you happy. Be with who makes you smile. Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live. ~ Author Unknown

Free Talk: News + WSJ Series' Reactions
Saturday, April 10, 2010

Good news, it seems that Bebe©Xiu got someone to summarize the L-DK for her. Just wait for her to get her volumes and surely, those will be up soon ^^ Then, there is also someone summarizing Ojousama wa Oyomesama in her blog, too. I read that she is going to subscribe to multiple shoujo magazines for teasers and summaries, starting this May. Wow..is it for a year or more? Anyway, I’m thinking about whether to drop any series that she and the others will be doing. For now, I’ll just wait and see how it all turns out. Bebe©Xiu, I would offer to help you but then, my Japanese is almost non-existent ^^; It’s pretty amazing of you to do all that for the fans ^^

On to Jump this week: So, it is indeed a Isshin vs Aizen and Ichigo vs Gin in Bleach [c. 399]. Hm..for Ichigo to get Gin all bloodied when he hasn’t gone in full hollow mode, does it mean that Ichigo is stronger? Maybe Gin underestimated Ichigo. I get the feeling that the author just dragged things out with the other fights because they all seem irrelevant now. I like what is happening in Naruto [c. 490] because it seems that Naruto and Killer Bee will meet up soon. I think they will immediately hit it off especially since Killer Bee also has a tendency to think out of the box. As for Kabuto, I guess Madara just needs dead Akatsuki-s to wage war with all the others. I’m curious about that ‘mysterious dead’ that Madara couldn’t say no to him. I’m thinking maybe Orochimaru or Jiraiya. I don’t think Madara will really give Sasuke to him and I hope that Kabuto knows this, too. It is their anniversary in Beelzebub [c. 56]. I’m surprised that Furuichi’s hair is white. ^^; And so, the fight has began with the weaklings led by Furuichi at the side, just watching. I think it is pretty obvious that Oga and others are superior than Miki’s group. They are obviously underestimating Oga’s group. All the fights are amusing but Oga vs Alex is pretty amusing at how Alex is all talk and just one punch from Oga, he is out through the fence and probably off and down the roof =P I usually like those kinds of scenes in shounen. Katekyo Hitman Reborn! [c. 285] still makes me wonder where this arc is heading to. At first, I wondered if this is like meeting their ‘past selves’ but now, it turns out that they are guests. Hehe, poor Tsuna, still being pushed around by Reborn. He still has a long way to go and the inheritance ceremony is coming soon. Gintama [c. 304] and the past few chapters has been pretty much kickass/action ones. It is nice that not only Gin and the gang are going to protect their place but also everyone in the neighborhood ^^ Of course, it is nice that Kagura and Shinpachi are able to those guys flying. I guess they are heading for the main boss at the end. Their base is being attacked in PSYREN [c. 114]. This time around, it seems that their enemies are quite strong and sadistic. It seems that Shao is going to have a hard time.

Word of the day:
Though weak and helpless in life’s fray, God’s mighty power shall be my stay; Without, within, He gives to me the strength to gain the victory. ~ D. De Haan from Our Daily Bread

Hadashi de Bara wo Fume [Chapter 33]
Friday, April 9, 2010

Soichiroh is surprised to see Sumi, together with Keiko, coming out of Nozomu’s house. Sumi is speechless when he asks why she is there. On cue, Nozomu comes out of the house and says that she only came to take shelter from the rain. Sumi tells displeased Soichiroh that is how it is, she is looking for him but it rained. Soichiroh turns around and says that she did more than she should. Sumi can only call out for him to wait as Soichiroh walks away. Nozomu coldly looks at them. After they return, maid A welcomes them back and says that she’ll prepare their bath. Soichiroh just goes upstairs and says that it is enough for him to just take a shower on the second floor. He then tells Sumi that from tonight onwards, she will be staying in the same room as Atari’s. She can only mutter his name as he left. She goes to Atari’s room to find Atari sound asleep. She remembers Nozomu telling her that he knows that her marriage with Soichiroh is just a formality [without love]. A bit flustered, she wonders what will happen now since Nozomu knows about their secret that she married Soichiroh to pay off her brother’s debts while he married her to get his grandfather’s inheritance. She feels that she should tell Soichiroh all about this but if she did, it will be all over for them. The next day, Sumi thinks that she wasn’t able to sleep at night. She sees Soichiroh going out the door. She asks if he is going to the company. Soichiroh says ya. She tells him that today, she has a shogi club meeting but Soichiroh just slams the door at her on his way out.

At the company, Sumi, together with Keiko, is greeted by her brother who asked if she is doing fine. Sumi is a bit nervous since Keiko is with her. She dismisses Keiko that she can go ahead today. Keiko tries to protest but Sumi just tells her to just fetch her when she is finished with her club activity. Keiko agrees and takes her leave. Eisuke then asks her if it is okay now. Sumi turns around and exclaims how could it be okay since at that place, they are suppose to pretend as strangers. Eisuke says that compared to that, hear him out. He is suddenly nominated to become a section chief and some important work is also assigned to him. Sumi is elated by this news. Takemoto arrives and asks why she is with the new recruit. Sumi is really nervous but Eisuke just happily says that he is just greeting her. Addressing Sumi, Eisuke says, “Madame, this Kikamura is an expert in socializing. I’m also very popular with the clients so I’m very useful to the company.” Sumi asks Takemoto if it is true. Takemoto didn’t refute it as he just says that at first, he isn’t very reliable. As they leave, Eisuke tells Sumi that next time, they should eat lunch together. Takemoto reminds Eisuke to not forget his place. Sumi is really happy that things are going smoothly with her brother. Later on, she goes to Soichiroh’s office and tells him that she brought him today’s bento. Soichiroh stands up and says that he doesn’t need it. Sumi tries to protest but he just says that he doesn’t want to eat it. He promptly leaves. While walking at the hallway, dejected Sumi is called out by someone. While walking downstairs, Natsuki calls out to Soichiroh and reminds him of the director’s meeting at 13 o’clock. Natsuki is surprised when Soichiroh shouts at him that he knows. Natsuki asks if he had a fight with his wife. Soichiroh shouts for him to shut up. Natsuki thinks that he had guess it right.

At a room, Soichiroh finds Nozomu eating from a bento box. Nozomu asks if the meeting is going to start soon. Staring at the two-layer bento box with lots of yummy food, he asks about that bento box. Nozomu happily tells jealous Soichiroh that Sumi gave it to him. Soichiroh tries to exclaim that it is his but Nozomu tells him that he wants to give back to Sumi the clothes that she left last night. After Soichiroh nervously repeats that Nozomu will bring it back, he suddenly exclaims that there is no need for him to bring it because he’ll get it from Nozomu’s house. Smiling Nozomu just says then, “I’ll be troubling you [to get it].” At the house, Sumi asks maid A if Soichiroh is coming home late. Maid A tells her that he’ll eat dinner outside then come home. At the dinner table, depressed Sumi thinks that she is gradually detested by Soichiroh. Atari is a bit worried about his sister. At Nozomu’s house, Soichiroh knocks but no one answers. He twists the knob and it is open. He calls out to Nozomu and asks if he is home. Looking at the paintings, Soichiroh wonders out loud that it seems that Nozomu has been painting again. He notices a covered painting. He pulls off the cover and is surprised to see a naked painting of Sumi covered with roses and thorny vines. He blushes then Nozomu calls out to him from behind. He turns around to see Nozomu looking serious. He approaches the painting and looks at the painting while Soichiroh exclaims what this is. Still looking at the painting, Nozomu says, “This is..the person whom I deeply love.” This surprises Soichiroh as he looks at Nozomu

Hehe, I think that the two guys had somewhat switch roles – emotional vs rational. Soichiroh is being too emotional because of his jealousy that he is doing irrational things to the point of having a tantrum that he is venting all of it on Sumi. Sumi cannot deal with a snubbing Soichiroh. Unfortunately, she unwitting add fuel to the fire when she gave the food to Nozomu. She must be thinking that it will be a waste so why not give it to Nozomu who wants it. Also, I don’t think Sumi can decline what Nozomu wants. =P Then in contrast to Soichiroh, Nozomu is becoming cold and calculative like how Soichiroh is before. Hehe, and he is taking all the chances he can with Sumi like that bento box. He even tried to push his luck by offering to give Sumi her clothes to her..with Soichiroh’s persmission, of course. He probably doesn’t think that Soichiroh is a threat to him that he would even tell Soichiroh that he likes Sumi. Haha..how cheeky can he get? I think Nozomu knows that he can get away with it and he does so far. Hehe, it seems he is taking advantage of their quarrel. Too bad Sumi has no one to confide with. It would be nice if her brother can help advice her on things. It’s quite nice that her brother has finally found his place and become productive unlike before. With him in the company, he might be helpful later on since there are a lot of ‘enemies’ within. Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 for BW.

Word of the day:
Resentment comes from looking at others; contentment comes from looking at God. ~ From Our Daily Bread

Hapi Mari -Happy Marriage!?- [Chapter 13]
Friday, April 9, 2010

Hokuto sighs and says to surprised Chiwa that he thought that upon opening the door to her heart, he can finally enter her world. She wonders if what he just said is a confession about making love and she totally doesn’t understand it. So after knowing Hokuto’s true feelings during the New Year gathering, she decided to become Hokuto’s ‘only one’. So, she doesn’t have any objections if they progress it further but.. They are now in a hotel.. ‘sweet/suite room’. Oh..the mattress is soft, too. She thinks that this is her first time so she also eagerly anticipate some sort of confession like ‘I like you, I want you’ to increase the mood. She blushes upon seeing Hokuto coming out of the shower to tell her that it is her turn. She thinks that there is no escape now. She exclaims that she’ll go now. Hokuto just watches her then scratches his head silently. While taking a shower, Chiwa thinks that sooner or later this will happen so it doesn’t matter and this is Hokuto’s wish. She ends up trying to psyche herself that there is nothing to be afraid of and it all doesn’t matter as long as there is love. She comes out from the bathroom and shouts to Hokuto who is reading a book. “Hokuto!! Come, please!” After recovering from his surprise, he closes his book and calls for blushing Chiwa to come [to him]. He puts her on bed. She tells him that before they start, she has things she wants to say. She tells him that it is because she trusts him and because the partner is Hokuto that is why she agrees to this. “And..later on, I will do my best to be your wife.” But, Hokuto just looks away and says that he knows and he’ll close the lights. This made Chiwa confused-puzzled about his reaction. She wonders if this is normal and isn’t his feelings on a high, too. He then whispers and asks what she is thinking. Chiwa says that it is nothing. Holding the pillow tight, Chiwa is screaming what he is doing as he pulls down her robe and starts licking her back. Hokuto turns her over and tells her to quit hugging the pillow. She thinks that she is really afraid. She wonder if it is really okay for them to continue but the more she is caressed, the more her body craves for it. “Because I like him, Because I believe him.” Flustered Chiwa mutters his name. Hokuto looks at her and says, “How tiring*.” [Ah, it could mean tired, difficult, etc] This surprises Chiwa. Hokuto then says, “I’m tired, going to sleep.” He promptly falls asleep on top of stunned Chiwa who wonders what just happened.

The next day, they eat breakfast in silence. Chiwa decides to be the one to talk first by asking him about what happened yesterday and if she did something wrong which she doesn’t know about. Hokuto says that she didn’t do anything. Chiwa insists that she must have done something wrong since she is an idiot. Hokuto tells her again that it isn’t like that. In a verge of tears, Chiwa exclaims, then what is it, does he know how nervous she is that it is like the feeling of falling down the roof. Hokuto tells her again that it isn’t her fault and she’s exaggerating for this is just one of many sex. This made Chiwa slam the table and exclaim that she is going home. She shouts for him to eat alone for temporarily, she doesn’t want to see his face. Hokuto looks somewhat sad as he covers his face with his hand - realizes he made a mistake? Teary-eyed while walking in the streets, she thinks wasn’t he the one who said about ‘opening the doors to one’s heart’. She thought that by just trusting him, it would be a different kind of morning than before but why does she have such a miserable feeling right now while walking on the streets in New Year. Even if she is feeling really miserable, the only place that she can return is the place where she lives with Hokuto. At work, Hiroshi happily greets Chiwa a Happy New Year and tells her that he already has a girlfriend. Hiroshi is surprised-shock when Chiwa darkly repeats about him having a girlfriend. She grabs his necktie and angrily congratulates him. Hiroshi nervously thanks her. She then asks if he is free tonight because there is something that she wants to talk with him in detail. They end up at a bar. Chiwa is drinking her sorrows down with beer. Hiroshi says that he doesn’t really care about that New Year gathering stuff but he didn’t expect that things will progress like that wherein there is no H after so many months. Chiwa then shouts that is why they went to the hotel. “He was the one who brought me there! I also didn’t refuse! That ‘from heaven to hell’ feeling..it is because it’s my first time, and I thought that he would at least be happy but he..” She starts crying out loud that she thought he will be happy but he must have been disillusioned by her naked body. Hiroshi tries to calm her down since the other patrons can hear her outbursts.

At the park, Hiroshi gives Chiwa something to drink. Chiwa apologizes. Hiroshi says that it is okay but they shouldn’t go back to that bar. Hiroshi is flustered when Chiwa asks him if he had H with his girlfriend. Hiroshi admits that they did though it is a long distance relationship. Chiwa asks if that is quite hard. Hiroshi says that they email everyday and promised to see each other at least once a month. Chiwa says that it isn’t really about the distance because even if she lives with [her husband], she still wasn’t able to communicate some things with him. After a pause, she asks what it feels like doing it with the person whom you like and is going steady with. Flustered Hiroshi says that he’s very nervous yet very happy. Chiwa then mutters that it is the same with guys. She thinks that it isn’t the same with Hokuto since he didn’t like her that much. Hiroshi tells her to cheer up and he apologizes that is all that he can say right now. At Hokuto’s office, smiling Taeko tells Hokuto that she learned about what happened at the New Year gathering because the chairman had happily told her about it. She is already quite relieved to learn about Chiwa’s feelings but.. She shows Hokuto a picture of Chiwa and Hiroshi together. She exclaims why after New Year, Chiwa would once again drink with Hiroshi. Hokuto just mutters that Taeko is becoming more and more like a mother-in-law/grandaunt [like a nagging older female relative]. Taeko asks if he isn’t angry that Chiwa is with another girl for this isn’t his style. Hokuto stands up and looks out the window. He says that it is his entire mistake/fault. At home, in the bathroom, Hokuto washes his face. He thinks that Chiwa is taking a bath but it is too quiet. H quickly opens the door to find Chiwa has passed out in the bathtub. He quickly holds her up and she starts coughing [out the water?] He then holds on to her. Chiwa wakes up to find herself, lying on Hokuto’s lap on the sofa. Blushing, she wonders what happened for she is taking a bath. Hokuto tells her that she passed out because she is drunk while taking a bath. She quickly sits up and holds her pajamas tight. She notices that she is already washed/cleaned and he even put the pajamas on her, he totally saw everything but.. Hokuto tells her that he won’t tell her not to drink but she should pay attention to herself for surely, she doesn’t want to die like that. She then asks him if he felt anything upon seeing her all naked like that. Hokuto asks her what she is saying at a time like this. Chiwa exclaims what he is thinking for he was the one who said about ‘opening the door to one’s heart’ and she likes him so she trust him but after ‘opening her heart’s door’, she knows that Hokuto doesn’t like her..

This somewhat irks Hokuto that he grabs her face and tries to kiss her. Chiwa defiantly looks away and pushes him away. She shouts no for he obviously doesn’t like her so please do not kiss her. She doesn’t want him to treat her half-heartedly. This made Hokuto grab her wrist and push her down the sofa. He kisses her roughly as Chiwa shouts that didn’t she say she doesn’t want to and [he should] release [her].. She is teary-eyed as she stops protesting. After he stops kissing, she covers her face and exclaims, “..so, so I said! Why did you kiss me, jerk!” Hokuto is nervous as he mutters, “..jer..?” It is the first time a girl called him that =P She shouts that it is because he kisses her like that that he makes her misunderstand. Hokuto asks what she meant. Crying, Chiwa exclaims, “Your kisses seem to tell me that you like me! Geez, I’m so frustrated! I couldn’t forgive myself who couldn’t resist you..” Chiwa stops and looks at him when he mutters, “..you like..?” She blushes upon seeing him smiling at her. She sits up as Hokuto says, “..So that’s how it is..so at that time, I..” He is interrupted when his cellphone starts ringing. He says that maybe he should answer it since it might be about work. He answers it. Chiwa is wondering what’s with that reaction a while ago and why he is smiling. Hokuto tells her that he has to go out for a while because it seems to be some urgent business. At first, Hokuto plans that they continue talking upon his return but he changes his mind and tells her to go to sleep to wear the alcohol off. After he left, she looks out the window and thinks that even if he told her to sleep, she couldn’t because she’ll be thinking about what just happened a while ago. She says that it is quite cold and she hopes that Hokuto won’t catch a cold. She is really curious as to what Hokuto wanted to tell her. She wonders why he won’t tell her anything before. They did decide to be sincere with each other. Chiwa then realizes something and wonders could it be that he couldn’t lie to her. He hasn’t been telling things to her until now because he couldn’t be sincere with her since some words might hurt her. Even if it is ‘all pretend’ Hokuto has not yet hurt her until now and from the start of the marriage, Hokuto has been sincere. She wants to confirm these thoughts to be sure and as his wife, she wonders if she has the right [to do so]. If she is mistaken about tonight, they’ll definitely again.. She feels that she shouldn’t call him at work so she decides to email him that she couldn’t sleep and she’ll wait for him to come back to talk about the topic earlier. With that, she decides to do her best not to fall asleep tonight. She opens the refrigerator and there is nothing in it so she decides to go to the convenient store. While saying that it is cold, she walks out and looks at the moon. She wonders if he already seen her email. “I will wait for you. For tonight, I’ll definitely hold you tight.” She is surprised when some guys appear in front of her and holds a handkerchief with chloroform. She passes out while wonder what just happened. One of the guys exclaims to hurry and if anyone has seen them. The other guy asks if they got the right person. The guy says that she is it, like the one in the picture. Hokuto reads a message from his cellphone and rushes to his car.

Haha, the author teases us with what Hokuto is about to tell Chiwa. It seems like a confession but she got herself kidnapped. I guess with a suspenseful thing like that to happen. It might loosen their tongues and start to really communicate with each other sincerely as to what their real feelings and thoughts are. I guess Chiwa is having a difficult time with Hokuto because he cannot express himself easily. I think that he is the type of guy who is ‘actions over words’ so probably, he hopes that his kisses can tell her that he likes her. That is probably why he smiled when she told him about it since his message is conveyed to her. Well, as a girl, Chiwa needs more than actions. She needs words can help assure her for it is a common belief that guys can act lovey-dovey even without emotion in it. I guess it is also partly because of how he treated her before. He did treat her nicely but doesn’t seem to really love her yet. Ah, Chiwa’s pride as a woman is really hurt for him to just stop midway. What was he thinking then? Too bad she doesn’t seem to be that patient for him to explain and he just kept telling her that it isn’t her fault which she doesn’t seem to believe anyway. Well, from former suitor, Hiroshi has become her drinking buddy whom she can confide with anything. If only she can be like that with Hokuto but I guess, it is because he isn’t the one whom she is in love with, thus it is easier to communicate without the fears of being disliked. I’m amused with this couple since their confidants are the opposite sex but I guess they aren’t jealous of each other’s ‘confidants’ =P So, how’s the culprit? I’m thinking that it is one of Hokuto’s relatives but then, what could be the plan for them to do that? Threaten Hokuto to give up the company in exchange for her safety? That’s too pathetic..maybe it is the revenge of that cousin whom Chiwa insulted at the gathering. Well, hopefully, Hokuto saves her or she saves herself and the two will have a more open communication with each other. ^^ Haha, then, finally H? =P Scans by 玉/wdsjznl for BW.

Quote of the day:
If we have a misunderstanding with someone, rather than allowing the irritation to fester, we should go to that person and make things right ~ From Our Daily Bread

Free Talk: Hong Kong Trip + Margaret Teasers
Thursday, April 8, 2010

For me, Hong Kong is like a my ‘poor man’s Japan’. People talk in a language that I don’t quite understand though of course, the people here know some Chinese and English. ^^ Hong Kong is usually all about dimsum and stuff but throughout my trip like the last one, we always ended up eating Japanese food – rice toppings or ramen =P There should be one dimsum restaurant near the place we stayed but it is still closed because the place is being renovated ^^;; It does give me a mega-city feel to it with all the tall buildings and stuff. There are lots of people in the streets even at night. Most of them wear quite trendy and fashionable clothes. Riding the MTR is quite fun. Of course, things are more expensive here compared to our country. We sacrificed comfort in staying at a hotel to save some money. Oh ya, before leaving I read on the newspaper about the air pollution there is quite bad so I thought my brother to bring whatever asthma medicine he needs for his children because it will be difficult if one of them suddenly had an attack. What I did is that I just always clean my nostrils every night and it does seem to be much worse than our city. The streets and surrounding are cleaner though ^^ There is always some toilet paper and soap in their comfort rooms which are generally clean. As usual, I didn’t get to see any tourist spots here in Hong Kong except for an amusement park because the others especially my brother would rather shop than go to some boring sight-seeing. =P We did walk a lot during this trip so I cannot say that this can be called a ‘vacation’ – to rest ^^; I felt that I walk and exercise that would last me for the whole year =P

Day 1: The night before, we stayed at my sister’s house which is nearer to my brother’s so that we can cut some travel time. The flight is at 8am. Nowadays, we have to go to the airport early because of those security checks but I think there are fewer people in the morning so we breezed through that fast and we are already at the boarding area one hour before the flight. It is a ‘forgetful’ day for me because when we picked up my brother and his kids, I suddenly remembered that I left my bag at my sister’s place. Gasp, my passport and ticket is in there. Thank God, we are still near and we are able to get it back with plenty of time to spare. Flight is uneventful and we finally arrive in Hong Kong around 10am, I think. We rode the bus to the hostel we are going to stay in Causeway Bay. When I saw the Sogo Department store, we go down the bus. Yay, we didn’t miss our stop this time. Thank God, I somewhat still remember how to get to the place. Hehe, I’m all leading them with no maps because we didn’t find any at the airport unlike before. Maybe they are saving on paper since these days, plastic bags has an extra charge so bring your own shopping bag. We arrived at the hostel’s office to find some other people who are going to stay at the place. They also got off the same bus. There is also a Western guy who is complaining out loud about his stuff being tossed out the room because he couldn’t pay since his wallet is stolen. We cannot see the room unlike the second time my mom went here. Maybe because it is peak season so we just paid outright and hope that the place isn’t that bad.

This hostel is the same one which I had a horrid experience before. If you just read the reviews on the internet, you’ll really be scared at staying at this place. Why we are staying there again? Well, my mother stayed here for the second time with her sisters and it is a much better experience so we are staying there again. It is also cheaper than the other hostel we inquired before. According to my mom, this, third place we stayed which is at Causeway Mansion near Fashion Walk is much better. Ah, in hostels, there is a tendency that the place where you’ll stay might not be in the same building..well, in this hostel’s case. The office is at another building in Paterson Building, just across the street. Of course, the kids aren’t used to staying at a smaller place wherein one cannot quite move that we have to take turns laying out the luggage. The comfort room is also quite small. You take a shower right in front of the sink and beside you is the toilet. Basically, just imagine an apartment then in one of the rooms, you are staying there – all five of us. As they mentioned in reviews, if you are a bigger-built, you might feel uncomfortable here especially since the beds are also small. Hostels tend to be half-price cheaper than hotels. I find it somewhat strange because when I tried to reserve in the net, the price given to me is more expensive as compared if it is my brother who booked it. It is the same hostel so is it some sort of gender-bias? Enough about the hostel, after we settled down, we head out to eat. First thing we saw is McDonalds. Hehe, it is past lunch time so no need to be picky. I ended up not eating much because their McChicken burger turns out to be quite spicy for me. Since it is Sunday today, there are so many people here especially domestic helpers on the streets since it is their day off. After that, we decided to go to Tsim Tsa Tsui. My brother leads us because this is the territory that he is familiar with. We went to a shopping area near Kowloon Park. My mom bought some Chinese medicines there. At a shopping center opposite it, I got to see a store with my [nick-]name on it =P Then, we headed towards Harbor City mall. Before going there, we found a food court at a building nearby so we decided to eat there. It is around this time that I suddenly remembered that I forgot to drink my medicine in the morning ^^; Then, at the mall, we went around and around looking for Zara which my mother want to check out but when we did finally found it, we didn’t bought anything ^^; Somehow I feel that Zara is jinx for us because we tend not to buy anything there and if we did find something nice, there is no size or some other reason for not buying something ^^;; I also realized that I forgot to bring some masks since there are people coughing without covering their mouths and smoking but thanks to bird flu/H1N1, they give masks free in most information centers of malls. It’s late so we head back to our hostel.

Day 2: One of the purpose we came here is to see a Chinese doctor who used to resided in our country until he got into some trouble. This guy is really good that people from our country would even go there for check up. Because of his popularity, it turns out that it will need extra effort to be successful in going to have a visit with this doctor especially if you don’t know the procedures. In short, you’ll come back here more than once. We woke up late and head to the place in North Point at around 12pm. After getting lost a bit, we found the place and saw a long number of papers with names and numbers on it on the sofa. We are 30+. Since it will start at 230pm, we decide to eat lunch, shop around and come back. We went to a nearby mall and ate at Caf‚ de Coral – rice topping. I realize that I really don’t like the roasted pork in HK because I’m used to thinner slices than thicker ones. It doesn’t help my appetite when my nephew asked what that guy at the other table is doing. I looked and the guy is putting his roasted pork in a glass of tea/water and stirring it. Is it to remove the excess oil? It looks like *beep* to me. So, I couldn’t finish my food anymore. Then, we head back to the doctor to find out that we missed the giving out of numbers at exactly 230pm. We later found out that even if we reached it, the doctor won’t see any patients over the number 25. The doctor will see 15 patients in the morning and 25 patients in the afternoon. No, they don’t care if you come from another country..rules are rules. If some of those people who put their names on the paper and didn’t appear on the giving out of numbers, it is better luck next time. With that, my brother still wants to try again tomorrow even if my mother doesn’t want to. Outside, my mother bought some Korean ginseng and dried scallops at a Chinese store. So at least, the trip there isn’t a waste.

Then, we head to Prince Edward. Once again, thank God I still remember how to go to a street called Fa Yuen where there are a lot of clothes to buy. After going through a block, my mom wants to go to the comfort room. We saw a McDonalds across some blocks so we head there. Then, we passed by Tung Choi Street which has a lot of fishes. My brother’s eyes twinkle. Hehe, my brother and I had pet fishes since we are young and until now so he decided to stay there with his son to check the stores. Since I need to go for a toilet break, I opted to go with my mom and niece since I thought we can easily head back again. Boy, I was wrong. We didn’t get to McDonalds because we had to go underneath the underpass or subway as they call it here. There is a Pioneer [shopping] Centre here so we ended up going there. And, it seems that place is going to be renovated soon or something that some shops there are going for 50% off. So, we shopped here and much later on, we went to find my brother at Tung Choi. I just ‘breezed’ through the shops since it is already dark. I pity some of the dying fishes in small plastic bags. There are some nice plants and pets..cute dogs, cats and turtles. I didn’t know turtles really stand on top of each other. No pictures of the dogs and cats because there are signs of ‘no picture taking’. Finally, we find my brother who couldn’t resist buying an adjustable aquarium light. It is quite huge that I think of any RPG characters with a huge sword like FF7’s Cloud. Since it is hard to carry it around while shopping, we are forced to go back to the hostel. Then, we ate a Yashinoya nearby and went shopping near Causeway Bay that soon, it is closing time so we head back and call it a day.

Day 3: Since my mother is the one who usually wakes up early, she decided to try and get a number once again at the doctor rather than for my brother to go. She left at around 8am. She’ll just text us if she got it. At first, she texted that she got it but later on, she texted again for us not to come anymore. My brother is stubborn that we still went. We went first to a certain place in Causeway Bay where my niece will get some special shoe sole done for her feet. All the doctors that day are on leave so we have to go to Wan Chai at 5pm for a doctor there. On the way to Times Square to eat breakfast, we got lost again and ended up in Lee Gardens where there are a lot of branded clothes. It is only when someone, forgot who, pointed out to me if it is ‘that’ tall building when I realized that it is at the opposite direction. Haha, I’m not familiar with the streets at the back. We ate at Delifrance which is the only one we saw at that time which looks remotely familiar though I think it is somewhat expensive there. It is also only at this time when I thought that maybe there are maps in the information center. My hunch is right, finally got a map but then, I don’t use it that much for the rest of the trip ^^; At around 12pm, we arrived at the Chinese doctor to see my mother wrote our numbers at around 27-29. We decide to take a chance and wait until 230pm, hoping that someone with a number won’t come. Unfortunately, it seems that everyone did come and according to my brother and kids, one number is suppose to be ours but a local took it even if her number is behind us, 30+. Not speaking the local dialect worked against us. So, the patients went in and the door is locked. We can only brace ourselves with my mom’s ‘I told you so’. Well, my mother decided to go back to Prince Edward to shop while we wasted around 2 hours for this doctor. We just shake our heads that it wasn’t meant to be and we cannot try again because it is nearing the holiday peak at our country and a lot more patients would be coming here in droves. Right now, to get the number 13 of the afternoon shift, you have to place your name at around 5am. Of course, be there when the numbers at 230pm are given. Too much hassle when we just want some ‘boost health’ stuff so, we ate lunch – ramen. We head back at the hostel to meet with my mom. My mom said that she almost got a number since one of the other patients from our country gave her one but then, another local just snatched it and claimed that it is his. Ya, it is really not meant to be. And, around this time, the sole of one of my rubber shoes gave way that my brother says that it is a good thing that we bought a new pair yesterday.

My brother and niece went to Wan Chai while we rest at the hostel. Then, my brother asked us to bring his son to Wan Chai to get some sole done for him, too. It turns out that the place is really far from the MTR. I guess Wan Chai tends to need a lot of walking since I recall walking a lot when I went to the convention center before. We brought my nephew to the place then rather than wait, mom and I decide to walk around but there isn’t really a place to shop here. There are some stadiums here and lots of bookstores so I’m thinking maybe there are a lot of schools here. After they finished and told me how expensive that foot doctor was, we went to Mongkok. Since stores might be closing soon, we bought some snacks to fill our stomachs while walking around. I mentioned to my mother as to why all the huge jewelry chain there always have the surname ‘Chow’ in front. She told me that the owners of belong to a certain family clan. I do not know if they are ‘allies’ or ‘rivals’ though. We went to Sino Center where I look at anime stuff and Chinese translated manga. I’m amused at some guys ogling at a store with lots of female figurines. I just bought a Skip Beat! manga which seems quite thin than before. We went to CTR Center which used to have lots of anime stuff according to my brother but well, ever since I came to this place, it mostly has clothes and fashion stuff. We didn’t get to go to another anime store we saw since it is already closing. Most of the stores are closing so after some more shopping at some stores that are still open and ate a very late dinner. We go back to the hostel and bought some breakfast food at a nearby grocery.

Day 4: We wake up late than we should since today is Macau field trip day. Hehe, most pictures in this entry are from this place and Ocean Park ^^; We arrive at Shun Tak in Sheung Wan at around 10am so the ship we got will leave at around 11am. It turns out that we don’t need to fill up some departure card because the one we filled up upon arrive is the one that will be taken by the immigration. There are a lot of people in the boarding area of Turbo Jet which leaves, iirc, every 15 minutes. A round trip is cheaper so we bought that. The ship is clean and it is pretty much like in an airplane. It is an hour trip and we slept through most of it. Then, at Macau, we are shock by the amount of people in the immigration. It is like during my China trip before. I’m not sure if it is forbidden to eat there but I seen some girl eating bread that soon, we follow suit and eat the biscuits we brought along. The terminal isn’t that ‘clean’ though and does look somewhat old..hmm..can it be compared to our old airport in terms of comfort room? We heard that we can ride on buses to go to the hotels here so outside the terminal, there are free hotel shuttle buses waiting. We ride the violet bus to City of Dreams hotel. I thought that we should go to the hotels/casino first before that St. Paul Ruins which is nearer. Haha, in the end, this trip is what I called a ‘hotel-casino hopping’ trip to look at fancy architecture and interior design. =P City of Dreams has a flashy entrance with a virtual aquarium up front and a pretty mermaid would sometimes appear. People would rush toward it to take pictures of it. The place is pretty nice and we ended up eating at another food Japanese food court. We didn’t exchange money for the local currency but they do take Hong Kong money never mind the exchange rate. We were given some ‘tickets’ to play at the casino but it can only be used for poker. My nephew is really disappointed that he cannot go in the casino. There is a Lady Gaga impersonator + other dancers dancing inside. My brother and mother walk around since they want to at least play a slot machine but unfortunately, it only has buttons these days and they have no idea how to play those. ^^; There is no ‘put money in and pull down the lever’ thing. Haha, things are modern now.

So, we decided to go to MGM hotel which is somewhat a mistake because we should go to Venetian first which is just nearby whereas MGM is farther away. MGM’s showcase is a European-style center which somewhat reminds me of some place in Disneyland. We walk around at some branded stores inside after passing by the casino. We headed out the promenade but it is too hot that we opted to walk indoor. I want to go to that Wynn hotel in front but I made a mistake because we should have gone from the left instead of the right which is a long cut. I thought that there is an entrance at the right since the entrance right in front of us is a casino and the kids cannot go in. After a long half-circle walk, we went to Grand Lisboa Hotel. I don’t know if there is a new and old of it because we didn’t went to that peculiar one at the back. The old one has an ‘antique’ feel to it and seems somewhat small. There is a long dragon sculpture-painting on the wall and a somewhat huge freshwater aquarium. Like always, my brother starts telling his children the names of the fishes in it. There are carps, freshwater sharks, barbs, parrot fishes and flowerhorn cichlids, etc. We tried an egg tart here which isn’t that delicious. It is around this time that not eating on time took a toll on me and I had ulcer so I’m not feeling that well until the night ^^; Then, after some picture taking on some glass pyramids which leads to an underground walk to Wynn, we head to that place. The interiors are nice but I think the fountain outside is its selling point. We managed to see some water-music choreography but maybe it is prettier at night with the lights on. We go back to MGM and hope on a bus which I thought is going back to City of Dreams so that we can go to Venetian Hotel. Opps, it is a mistake I should have asked first because I notice that it is going in a different and longer route to the point of passing the terminal. I guess we should have gone to the same entrance where we were dropped off. There is a ‘City of Dreams’ sign underneath of the bus stop so I thought that was it. It turns out to be at some border in China ^^;; After buying some more water at a grocery there, we find a bus going to Venetian at the bus station so we ride that back. Outside Venetian, we tried another egg tart and this time, it is more delicious than the one earlier. Maybe, it is because this one is freshly made and more expensive. =P Venetian is nice which opted for somewhat dark lighting. There are a lot of people, too especially tours. We just go to its selling point which is a gondola inside with fake blue sky for the ceiling. We managed to see some gondola-riding passengers with some singing oarsman. Since it is an enclosed place, the singing really echoes. I think there are places here that we didn’t go because from the outside, it is quite big. Well, we don’t have much time. I would want to check out the Sands hotel but my mom says that we might not make it to the trip back so we decide to go back to the terminal. There are no crowds this time and it seems that we can go on the ride back ahead of time. We are suppose to leave at around 9pm but they allowed us to ride the 830pm ride. I guess their policy is yes, you can ride ahead of your scheduled ride but if it is afterwards, then, you have to pay again. Immigration is smooth and after eating at Yashinoya again, we head back to sleep.

Day 5: It is time to go to Ocean Park for the kids. We ate breakfast at McDonalds and ready at around 9am. We pass by a taxi stand to check the price then head to the bus stop. The fee is more or less the same price since we are all 5 so we opted for a taxi. Luckily, we don’t have to go back to that taxi stand because while we are passing by a mall, a taxi came by. It turns out that we have to pay the toll fee aside from the taxi metered fee. There are a lot of people at the park even if their holiday is supposed to be tomorrow. My mom and nephew lined up for their ‘discount’ tickets then we head in. We had a picture taken even if we are a bit paranoid of Chinese/Korean-style picture-taking wherein you are forced to pay but it is pay if you like it. We head up the cable car first. The line is somewhat long but it is moving. In the cable car, it can be quite scary if you look at how high and low you’ll go especially if you imagine it might go fast. My mom is somewhat afraid of heights that she clung on the pole with both hands. Ocean Park is quite hilly so there is a lot of going up and down. It is the going up which is tiring. I feel that Ocean Park isn’t that great since it tries to be many things at the same time – oceanarium, amusement park and zoo. The jellyfish part is pretty nice just jellyfishes swimming and the experience is enhanced with the lighting. I think we will have that in our own local ocean park..or rather, I think it is already opened but it wasn’t available when we went before. We got a souvenir picture here. My brother wanted to buy some other stuff like the jellyfish stuffed toy but he says that it is too expensive that he can buy a pair of shoes for about the same price. Their aquarium turns out to be just one huge one which you can view from top, middle and bottom. I’m somewhat disappointed because there are more fishes in our local ocean park. I guess they decide to put some fishes in smaller aquariums at the side and dump the rest of the larger fishes in one huge aquarium for easier maintenance. =P As a kid, I remember the ocean theater show to be more exciting..well, I do recall a killer whale but now, it is just some dolphins doing some tricks. We didn’t ride on ‘rides’ because of the long queue and we are chickens. =P I tried one before but I think it continues to haunt me in dreams at times ^^; We are suppose to go to some Japanese garden but it is high up and we made a mistake with the entrance that we ended up at the exit. My mom just asked some of our countrymen if the place is good and they say, not worth going to so we decided to skip it. Ah, a lot of our countrymen are here right now since the other day that we can hear people talking in our local dialect. There is a long queue at a chicken restaurant and McDonalds so we went elsewhere to eat which isn’t that delicious = no queue. ^^; Then, we pass by to see some seals..lying on the rocks and underneath, some smaller seals swimming. Then, we head down, down to the aviary. We saw some birds and lots of poop on the plants. Hehe, we hope they don’t poop on us. It is somewhat smelly. I recall as a kid that there are butterflies here but I don’t see them now. Then, we pass by a small pond with flamingoes. It made me wonder if they don’t fly since it isn’t enclosed. Or maybe, like pigeons, they come back if they do fly.

Since we don’t want to head back down all the way to go to the lower part of the park, we just rode the free shuttle bus. It seems that instead of stamping on some ink mark on the palm to show that you’ll come back after exiting on the same day, they use ultraviolet ink which can be seen using a special light. We got to rest while waiting for the bus. My nephew is pretty happy that he got to ride on the second deck since the bus from the airport isn’t a double deck one. Back at the lower part of the park again, the kids go for some bungee trampoline. Good thing that there aren’t many people around..actually, there are fewer people now in the park. Then, my mom pointed out to me that our city mayor is also here with his grandchildren..I think those are his grandchildren. We went to the panda habitant..one is empty, the other is just sitting on a log while the other one is hiding. Well, at least, it is pretty cool inside. Then, we go to the gator marsh which has only two small alligators and fishes. Then, beside it, there are also some panda here that people crowd just to take pictures off those. The red panda is just hanging/sleeping on some tree so it is easy to miss. Outside, it is feeding time for some otters which are pretty cute even if one of them doesn’t want to listen to the trainer =P Then, we head to a small goldfish display. There are a lot of varieties from the pop-eyed ones, pearl-scale, really round and big to the new kind I’ve seen - small red pompoms near the eyes. We would try the new emerald trail but there is nothing in it. From the post of the supposed animals to be put in there, I think they plan to put the birds from the aviary there so the aviary isn’t that well-maintained anymore. We tried the ocean express which is just a train with a video on top as if the squid is going to attack but with no special effects of the train moving about. Since my brother and kids have to go back to the foot doctor to get the specially made soles, we decided to leave and ride the bus back. There is a part that is currently under construction. I think that used to be a ‘swimming’ part of Ocean Park before with slides and such or probably they have other plans for it so the place seems smaller than before. At the bus station, we will go our separate ways. At that bus station, we should have gone at the same bus as my brother because the bus going straight to Causeway Bay is either too busy or only available on holidays/Sundays. When we decide to ride on the same bus my brother rode which is only up to Wan Chai. There are already a lot of people waiting with us and we have reached the rush hour. Rather than wait for a longer time, we decided to ride the more expensive bus ride straight to Admiralty. Instead of waiting some more, we ended up riding on a bus, standing rather than sitting. ^^; In front of me is a couple – not sure if lovers or siblings sleeping while at the back are three girl friends sleeping. And I, dead tired, standing on the bus. Sigh. The bus is going to pass by a tunnel and the traffic is pretty bad there. Finally, after the tunnel, it is moving faster again.

We got off Admiralty and I managed to see Pacific Place [mall] so we can go at least go there before going back to Causeway Bay. Then, my left leg gave way. I have a severe leg cramp so I pretty much hobble while walking. ^^; We go up the business-like building wherever the bus left us then walk on the overhead pass. We pass through High Court then to Pacific Place. We walked a bit in the mall. I saw some cute shrimp from Hawaii [iirc] in a glass container which can supposedly live until 8 years using some special X water. It is being sold as a pet. Then, we head back to Causeway Bay via MTR. This is the last day so even if I’m tired, let’s maximize shopping/going around until the end. =P Instead of going near Sogo, we head to the opposite direction of Times Square. We walk around. I would want to eat at a popular Chinese restaurant which is probably famous for its xiao long pao [dimsum with soup inside] but the price is HK$28 per order. A rice topping/ramen costs around HK$50 so my mom says to just eat elsewhere. It is only this time that we found a food court near Lane Crawford at the side of the main building. It is near the grocery which I think is Japanese-themed/owned. Hehe, they are selling sake and put on some fake cherry blossoms design. Obviously, the food court mostly sells Japanese food. I ate ramen and gyoza at some Osaka-something restaurant. Gyoza is their specialty because they hired a guy who just makes gyoza all throughout the time I ate there. It is quite delicious. At the side there is a Hiroshima-something restaurant which serves okonomiyaki. I tasted it once in my country and it is a taste that needs getting used to so I don’t want to experiment while I’m here as in, eat it all by myself. I pity the girl who has ordered it since she seemed to have a hard time eating it. Too bad my view is obstructed from looking at how it is made. I just saw a thin pancake and a huge amount of vegetable which seems to be cabbages. The final part on top is of course, some sauce, drizzled mayo and some green seaweed on top. I also found a nice dress here then got surprised that it costs HK$4000. ^^; So, we didn’t buy it. We head back to our hostel. We plan to go to Sogo tomorrow since it is already closed. At our area, while looking at some cosmetics store, I notice an escalator heading up with some promo go to Japan thing. I think maybe they sell some Japanese stuff there like anime things. I read before there are some in Causeway Bay but I never seen any. So, I got my mom to check it up and it turns out to be lots of small boutique with some fashionable clothes and shoes. Lucky find ^^ We managed to buy some things here and we head back. My brother and his kids are already back. My brother is packing. I used his wifi to check the weather for tomorrow and soon, of course, I checked out if there is any new Skip Beat! chapter. Haha, of course, posted a short teaser about it here. It’s really late that I slept like a log until morning.

Day 6/final day: We pretty much finished packing. It is around this time that the hot water conked out. Since I’m aching all over, I decide not to push my luck in taking a cold shower. My mom, niece and I decide to go on last round in the place since we have to check out at 12pm. Our flight is 6pm so if we still want to stay we have to put our stuff at the hostel’s office. It is a lot to haul up the other building. Oh ya, the buildings’ elevator in this apartment are small that it can accommodate 4 ‘small-lightweight’ people at once. The space could be like a teacher’s table. And so, we decide to just go straight at the airport at around 12. We ate breakfast in KFC then head to Sogo. I have only one place to go there and that is the Japanese bookstore on top. I plan to buy Cheese! or Margaret magazine. While browsing around, my mom told us that we have to go back because some other guests want to get our room so could we please leave early. The Cheese! is last month’s. There are a lot of copies of it also Hana to Yume and Lala. I’m not sure about the Margaret if it is this month’s since there are two dates. I read April 5th so I thought it is the latest and it is the last copy. Since we are being rushed, I opted to buy it. Then, while heading down, I decided to buy a Japanese themed puzzle on a whim near the toys area. My mom went ahead as we go to buy some Beard Papa cream puff at the grocery below. We head back at the hostel and with no key to go inside the apartment. My brother couldn’t hear the knocking since our room is in the innermost of the apartment and the door bell doesn’t seem to work. Good thing, my mom got lost and we met at the hallway that we managed to get in. =P We ended up eating the cream puff there since my brother didn’t go out hence he didn’t eat breakfast. Getting the keys [one set is with my brother], she returned them to the office and we hauled the suitcases out the building. The ones who will occupy our place are also from our country. We met them while we waited below for my brother to buy some marker pens for his huge aquarium lamp. We signed it so that it won’t be opened and of course, name and address details. I tried to play with my nephew about holding a huge sword by the way I carry it but in the end, it is too heavy ^^; We went to the bus stop and head to the airport.

At the airport, it turns out that our airlines is in terminal 2. We always check in on terminal 1 so we are lost. Up and down, up and down until we finally find it but the counter is still closed. Where would we put our luggage? There is a fee for safe-keeping. We decide to just walk around and find a place to eat. My nephew got lost so while my brother looked for him, he returned to tell us that there is a purpose why my nephew got lost. He found my nephew and saw that the airline counter is now open. Hehe, so we checked in. It took some time for my brother because the airline doesn’t want to be responsible in case the aquarium light is wrecked during the flight so he has to sign some papers. Then, we ate at the food court on the upper floor. My mom is full so we just shared some noodles which don’t have any taste but the xiao long pao is quite okay. Then, we played some capsule toy games at a store. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the ones I wanted. It is around 2 hours before flight so we head to our departure area since there is a train ride and we have to go through immigration. Fortunately, we pass through it quite fast and there aren’t much people there. We walked around a bit then head to the plane which is a double decked plane. I thought it is just fiction to have double decked planes ^^; My niece said that it is first/business class on top since she got upgraded before during her trip in China. So I wonder if that is the place where there are beds. We know we are back because of the hot weather from 20+øC to 30+øC. We easily went through immigration but unfortunately, my and my mom’s luggage probably got shoved at the last and innermost container because it is one of the last ones out. There are some people standing in disbelief as they exclaimed, “Is that it? Where my luggage is?!” Well, we don’t know what happened to them since we already head out and got fetched by my sister’s driver. Finally, it is home sweet home. Of course, you already know that upon arrival, I updated my blog =P

Later on, I’ve learned that the Margaret I bought is last month’s issue. Too bad, I wanted the April one but I guess it isn’t out yet. So teasers as to what’s inside.

• Koibana! 56: Yukine is back to see Chikai. He didn’t let her in his house and I think he just told her that he is going out with Hanabi. Not sure if they are officially steady or just dating. Then, Yukine started crying and running away. He seems to ask her if she is alright but I guess she said, do you think I’m alright. I think Hanabi knows about this since she looks tense. I think Chikai already changed his email address so it isn’t Yukine’s birthday anymore. Atsumi + two fat guys + Sasa meet with the boss. Then, a long talk of Atsumi with Sasa probably telling him that she is thinner now and how it feels to see him looking at the boss walking at the opposite direction. Sasa gave her some French macaroons. Then, the last part is Hanabi walking to school with Chikai. Chikai isn’t reacting much but Hanabi seems really tense about yesterday..meeting with Yukine? So, the arc is going to be new love vs first love.
  
• Hadashi de Bara wo Fume 34: I think Nozomu just asked Soichiroh to give Sumi to him. Flustered Soichiroh shouted no way and Sumi is his wife. Black Nozomu is unfazed. Soichiroh runs home and calls out to Sumi. He is relieved that she is still there. When asked what the matter is [I think], he just walks away in a huff. Then, he probably had a nightmare about Sumi leaving him. He still cannot be honest with Sumi that when she checked on him, he ends up throwing a pillow at her. Sumi is sad that she busy herself with Atari. At the company, Natsuki starts to expose Soichiroh’s incompetence regarding business that he isn’t fit to be president. Soichiroh goes to Komai to seek help but he is rebuffed by Komai probably to teach Soichiroh to stand for himself or something but it seems that Komai is going to do something [to counter the ‘enemies’?] since he looks serious. While Soichiroh is heading back, things are going smoothly at the company without him. I think Nozomu is going to help Natsuki become president. Hehe, if Soichiroh doesn’t do something soon, he’ll really end up losing everything. Nozomu is starting to make his moves.
  
• Mei-chan no Shitsuji 84: It seems that they are still busy rescuing Miruku and Kiba. I don’t know if I should cry or laugh to see Kento in a wig and girl uniform. ^^; At least, he kicks ass. Some of the traps are pretty funny though. Hm..where is Rihito?
  
• Akuma to Love Song 69: Shintaro doesn’t look happy upon seeing the two lovey-dovey on the roof. After the couple head down, everyone is pretty much happy and Shin is pretty much embarrassed at whatever they are saying. The two head to Shin’s place. In the room, Maria is looking at some piano books. She is startled when Shin holds her. Afterwards, she motions that it is fine. She puts the piano books together then grabs Shin to kiss him. It freaks Shin out. ^^; There is a lot of talk then she hugs him and kisses his forehead. She then pushes him away and takes off her blouse and bra. Shin looks away and blushes. She takes his wounded hand and places it on her bare chest. Fondling and seems like kissing. I think Maria is tense that Shin stops and smiles at her. He says something about her voice while caressing her face. Then, they notice that his wounded hand is shaking. After some talk and Shin looking away, Maria looks at the side of the piano books to find a piece of paper. She opens it and it is a newspaper clipping of her mother + rapist. I guess Maria is trying to show that she isn’t afraid and show her love for him but then, she finds that article. I wonder how she will react to it and Shin’s explanation for it.
  
• Ojousama wa Oyomesama 58: Hm..hard to relate since I’m missing some chapters but I think it is all about Kaoru and Saho but somehow, this time around, they switched partners with the main couple. Haha, there is a funny lover’s quarrel between Towako and Yuuga but they also have trouble with that other guy who seems to be plotting something. Well, I don’t think the main couple is in any danger of separating over minor stuff like that since they already had sex which I find really amusing at how she locked him up when he said he wanted some distance from her and how he is all ‘sparkling’ afterwards. Hehe, it is usually the girl who is ‘sparkling’. =P
  
• Lastly, Chitose, Etc 11: I guess Chitose accepted Shun’s proposal that he wants to take in to the next level. He starts kissing her and she starts freaking out in a funny way. She seems to have a romantic vision about it but he somehow manages to convince her that it is alright. They kiss again and to Chitose’s shock, his hand is on her breast. She screamed and holds her chest. She’s freaking out. Shun seems to be saying that it is okay and normal. She tries to make a run for it but he grabs her and she falls on him. He starts removing her necktie. She tries to free herself but she somehow couldn’t. He unbuttons her blouse. She is flustered yet doesn’t seem to like it as he fondles her breast. Suddenly, the door knob is twisting as if someone wanted to get in. Chitose notices that Shun’s grip has loosened that she quickly makes a run for it. She takes her bag and runs out the door while holding her blouse close. Kou, who is outside the door, noticed this. While Shun is patting his clothes from the dirt, Kou notices Chitose’s necktie on the floor. Kou shouts something to Shun about it but Shun answers back something about Seirin which seems to irk Kou. And so, Shun is moving too fast on Chitose that makes one think that she is obviously not ready so he probably doesn’t really love her. I just browsed through chapters 7-8 and I think the one Shun really likes is Seirin. So we have two disappointing guys and one cute loveable girl ^^;
  

That’s it ^^ Overall, the trip is pretty good yet tiring. It does seem like an adventure though some time lost during some ‘setbacks’. Hehe, but then, there is no such thing as a perfect trip. By the way, I don’t be following the poll based summaries anymore. Hehe, only three left ^^; It will be anything I’m in the mood to do and based on the available time that I have for that day. Hopefully, this can help me catch up again as compared to poll based summaries ^^; Manga dump is starting so hopefully, I’ll get to summarize more series this month than the last few months ^^;;

Quote of the day:
Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. ~ Seneca

Faster Than A Kiss [Chapter 32]
Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Cover blurb: “Closer, deeper..let me feel your everything.” Flashback: Fumino shouted to Kazuma if he should marry her to take care of her. Kazuma angrily shouted that he will. End Flashback. Narration: “Because of that shocking fight, I, Kaji Fumino and my homeroom teacher, Ojiro-sensei marriage life started--” Ding-dong. Kazuma happily says that he’s home. Dressed up in a police uniform, Fumino welcomes him home. Also, dressed up in a police uniform and holding handcuffs, Teppei playfully says that he’s going to arrest him. Narration: “Gradually, I have gotten used to this kind eccentric stuff.” Fumino exclaims why her belly is exposed like that. Laughing Kazuma touches her waist and says that it suits her ♥. Fumino shouts for him not to touch her. Narration: “And today, it will soon be our first wedding anniversary.” On the table, Teppei is looking at a flyer about a romantic cruise from sunset until night + dinner. Fumino asks what that is flyer is about. Kazuma tells her that they will be eating dinner on a ship. Fumino is stunned-puzzled. Teppei is really excited when Kazuma says that Teppei is coming, too. Fumino exclaims, why. Kazuma says that it will be their first wedding anniversary soon, so they are going to celebrate it to commemorate it. Fumino nervously exclaims that he shouldn’t because it is too troublesome for him since it is too luxurious and expensive. “You are already bearing our living [expenses]..ah!” Kazuma pulls her to him and handcuffs her. “Saying it that way, isn’t it a bit too obvious [as if they are strangers]? My cute ‘missus’! If you won’t say, ‘I’ll go’, then I’ll arrest you, okay?” Blushing, Fumino exclaims didn’t he already arrested her. Kazuma asks if she’s going or not. After some screaming and Teppei not bothering them, Fumino exclaims that she will go. Then, their faces are inches away from each other. Blushing Fumino thinks that they are going to kiss so while her heart is beating loudly, she closes her eyes. After a while, Fumino opens her eyes and finds that there is nothing in front of her. Kazuma is talking with Teppei who tells Kazuma that he is going to build a ship. And so, Fumino sends Kazuma flying up, high in the sky. =P Then, he comes back and says that he brought ice cream but Fumino is having a tantrum as she hides in her futon. Narration: “Compared to the year before, my distance with sensei has really become closer, so..what’s the big deal if it is only a kiss?!!” [There is a small comment by Fumino about something about the story and the kiss but it is too small to read. ^^;]

During lunch period at the roof, Fumino goes to complain about it to Meg. Meg asks if they still haven’t kissed yet when she asked this question, it has already been a half year already. To Meg’s shock, Fumino admits that is true. Blushing, Fumino says, no, since his lips did touch all different parts of her body a lot of times but she feels that Kazuma tends to always avoid the lips. Meg tells Fumino that if Kazuma avoids it then, she should just take the initiative. “You want to be kissed, right? Take the initiative to give him a fiery hot [passionate] kiss and perhaps see..” Blushing Fumino interrupts as she exclaims that Meg’s voice is too loud. Also at the roof, Shoma perks up and wonders what the two are talking about. Meg asks her didn’t Kazuma always make the move and then, stops midway. “Occasionally, you should also be the wolf!” This made Fumino blush and thinks that even if she also feels like becoming the wolf but..[rabbit] Kazuma’s level is too high that she isn’t that confident that she can easily attack and conquer. Looking dark, Fumino pouts as she thinks that she is always frustrated by Kazuma’s actions. Meg shouts, “Fighting, Fumino! Next week is the cruise date, right? I’ll help you attack Kazuma..” Fumino nervously shouts at Meg to not talk too loud and what is she saying about ‘attacking’. Shoma is observing them as he is a bit puzzled what the fuss is about. In class, while Kazuma is teaching, Fumino is busy thinking about taking the initiative to kiss him though she did seem to counter attack way, way before. “Speaking of that, sensei is also at fault..he already kissed all of those places, but why not on the lips, I really don’t understand.. Within a year, I know that soft and gentle lips, if it and my lips meet, I wonder what it would feel like?” Kazuma then calls out to her to answer. This made Fumino embarrass as she frantically turn over her textbook. Kazuma reprimands her not to be lost in thought and listen to the lessons. He reminds her that if she doesn’t prepare for the exams now, it will be harder later on. A note says that Fumino is planning to major in English in college. His comment made Fumino furious because he is the reason why she is lost in thought. She angrily tells Meg that she has decided to make the first move. Wolf-Fumino thinks, “I will quickly attack and conquer sensei’s lips, then later on, I can fully concentrate on studying for the exam!” Finally, on the day itself, on Saturday, *ding dong*, the door opens. Kazuma brings some drinks and asks if they are going to wait at the pier. Meg hugs really nervous Fumino and says that is right. “Because I’m going to help Fumino dress up so please anticipate it ♥” Helper no. 2, Ryuu says that he heard about it so just leave Teppei to him since this is a rare anniversary date. Kazuma asks Teppei if that is alright. Teppei says yes and he will be watching from afar their ‘married couple lovey-dovey’. Kazuma says, so it is decided. Fumino apologizes since it is so sudden. Kazuma smiles and touches her nose. “No problem, I’ll eager anticipate it, Missus ♥” This made blushing Fumino shout in shock that she punches Kazuma who falls over the table. “Ah- I’m sorry, sensei! We’re going ahead!” She grabs Meg and runs off. Kazuma laughs and says that Kazuma and Fumino haven’t changed a bit and they are always like that. He asks if it is being ‘innocent’ or ‘childish’. Kazuma mutters that Ryuu’s stupid because everyday, he is enduring as if his life depends on it. Ryuu asks what he just said. Kazuma slightly sad-smiles and says that it is nothing, he should also go change his clothes.

Narration: “I have already forgotten the time when sensei told me— ‘No matter how long it takes, I’ll wait for you so there is no need to force yourself-’ At that time, my heartbeat fast because I’m afraid, but today’s fast heartbeat isn’t the same.” Meg tells the stylist to make Fumino look more mature. Narration: “Ah, sensei, up to now, I still cannot chase and surpass your age, but if you’re going to wait, I can slowly chase after you, bit by bit.” Soon, the makeover is finished. Meg exclaims that it is perfect and it’s time for them to go. “You gotta make him burnin’ up for you!” Narration: “The ‘after a year’ me, today, I will..” At the pier, the guys are all dressed up. Ryuu calls out that Shoma also came. Holding on to Meg, Shoma angrily says that it seems that Meg has some sort of plan so he came to watch over her. Shoma tells Meg that he won’t let her close any trouble for the two of them. To Shoma’s anger-surprise, blushing Meg tells him that she only wants to help the two become more intimate. Meg asks where Kazuma is. Ryuu tells him that he is over there. Meg and Shoma are impressed to see Kazuma [without glasses] looking dashing. Kazuma is looking at his watch. When Teppei calls out that Buchan is there, Kazuma looks up in surprise to see Fumino looking quite mature and pretty. Fumino blushes and thinks that Kazuma looks handsome and young without his glasses. An announcement says that that it is time to depart soon so they should all go onboard. Ryuu calls out to the two to spend their time ogling at each other onboard. Kazuma somewhat sad-smiles and says that she looks beautiful. Fumino thanks him. Kazuma says that they should go to onboard. Fumino thinks that it seems that just now, there is a bit loneliness on his expression. On board, *ching* they have a toast to celebrate their first year anniversary. The others are at the other table and shout their congratulations to Kazuma and Fumino who are sitting on their own table. Ryuu and others notice that Fumino are attracting a lot of people’s attention. Meg says that is the power of Danton-hired stylist that no one realized that Fumino is just a high school student. Shoma dismisses it as just wearing too much makeup. To Shoma’s surprise, Ryuu says that he is really such a brat. Ryuu tells him that so-called make-up can only make one’s beauty more obvious and later on, Fumino will become more and more beautiful, from the ordinary to that level. “If the current her tells Kazuma ‘I really like you’, Ma-kun won’t be able to control himself--” Shoma looks surprised by this statement.

At the deck, Fumino happily looks at the night scene and exclaims how pretty it is that even the Ferris Wheel is all lit up. There are some guys looking at her..not sure if they are trying to peek under her skirt. Fumino is surprised when Kazuma puts his coat on her and he looks really angry as he stares at those guys who got scared. Fumino wonders if he is having that face a while ago. She is puzzled and aghast. Kazuma notices this that he apologizes. He says that he just thinks that she must be feeling cold. He holds her from behind. Fumino blushes and thanks him. She looks at him and asks if she just heard what she says about the Ferris Wheel. She didn’t continue because their faces are really close to each other. Narration: “Because of the high heels, compared to usual times, sensei’s face is now nearer..this is..chance!” She blushes and holds his face. Fumino says, “...Sensei, just like this, don’t move--” Narration: “It seems as if my heart is going to burst open--” To her anguish shock, nervous Kazuma had used a flyer to cover his lips. Ryuu and Teppei had just come out when they heard some thrashing sounds. They freak out upon seeing Kazuma on the floor that they ask him what happened. Fumino fumes as she walks away. The other passengers are also shock. Kazuma sits up and says that he is hated by Fumino. He blushes and mutters that he unexpectedly got scared and cowered away. “Geez..who is the adult here..this is bad, she unexpectedly started to initiate the attack..” Ryuu and Teppei do not understand what Kazuma is saying. Narration: “—it’s very obvious..sensei refuses the kiss I’ve initiated. What is going on? Is my ‘initiative’ not enough? Do you still want me to wait? Perhaps it is [as I thought], he hasn’t thought of that thing after..that other thing.”

Shoma is walking around when a waiter asks if he wants a drink. Shoma turns it down. Shoma thinks that it seems that drinks are also served on the deck. He wonders where his brother and the others are when he overhears some guy wanting to approach a girl but he [that guy] is already with someone else. Shoma notices that it is Fumino sitting on a bench. He sighs and approaches her to ask why she is alone. He is surprised when drunk Fumino grabs his tie and says, “Let me say, sensei~~~ What is the meaning of what happened a while ago~~~!!” Shoma takes the glass of wine from Fumino and exclaims if she drank the wine. Fumino didn’t know that it is wine because she just accepts it from someone who asked if she would like a drink. Shoma shouts that ‘drink’ is wine. Fumino happily pats Shoma’s head and says, “Ah~~sensei came~~ I also got some fruit, let me feed you ♥” [A small note says that minors shouldn’t drink wine.] Shoma shouts that he isn’t, he isn’t his brother. Fumino looks scary and says, “If you won’t eat, then I’ll throw you into the sea.” Scared Shoma says that he will eat. =P He is angry as he thinks of an opportunity to get his brother. Fumino giggles and asks if it is more romantic like this, [then perhaps] he’ll kiss her. Holding a grape, Fumino smiles and says, “I really like you ♥ Eat ♥” Shoma blushes as Fumino tries to feed him. Someone is standing at the side. Ryuu’s words about if the current Fumino says ‘really like you’ is repeated. Kazuma grabs her hand and eats the grape. Shoma is surprised while Fumino blushes. Kazuma slightly bites her finger and says, “I was looking for you all over the ship, and unexpectedly you are here, such a mischievous child.” While Kazuma holds her finger on his lips, Fumino blushes and thinks, “This feeling..sen-..” To the brother’s surprise, Fumino promptly faints. Kazuma carries Fumino. He apologizes to Shoma for the trouble that Fumino gave him. Slightly blushing, Shoma says okay. Meg seems to be looking at Shoma. Teppei is asking Ryuu if Fumino is okay. There is an announcement on board that the ship is going to disembark and everyone shouldn’t forget to bring their things with them.

Later on, Fumino wakes up to find herself on the bed with Kazuma’s coat on her. Holding her head in pain, she wonders where she is. She can only remember pushing Kazuma away and drinking some juice. He then notices that the door [to the balcony?] is open and the wind is blowing the curtains. She goes out and comments that it is such a beautiful night scenery. She is surprised to see Kazuma sitting on a chair while drinking something. He greets her a good morning and informs her that Meg has helped them book a room at a hotel. Looking serious, He asks if wine is delicious. Fumino is surprised by that it is wine that she drank. Fumino gets angry when Kazuma reprimands her about not drinking that kind of thing again. Kazuma is shock when Fumino suddenly grabs his hair and tries to kiss him. Fumino has gone violent as she angrily tells him to just stay like that and don’t move. Kazuma looks aghast and tense as he tries to stop her from kissing him. Fumino shouts, “I’m sorry about the drinking incident! Even if I totally don’t remember a thing, it is all sensei’s fault! So let me just get a kiss~~!!” Kazuma tells her to stop when he notices that tears are falling on his cheek. Crying Fumino shouts that he is quite cunning since he obviously told her that ‘he’ll wait’. “But why are you running away when I make the move?! Is it for me not to be afraid, even if you want to kiss me!” Kazuma angrily shouts, “Ah- That’s enough- I really want to kiss you!” Fumino is surprised. Somewhat blushing Kazuma says, “...that is inevitable, because you are my wife. But, at the same time, I’m also your teacher, ..for now..” Fumino asks why it is always like this. He pushes her down on the floor and says, “If I kissed you, I won’t be able to stop myself from taking everything from you, [I] do not want you to do it with anyone else..like what happened earlier.” He takes a piece of chocolate and bites half of it. “—the thing you did with Shoma, I’ll teach you [how to do it].” Fumino blushes as he feeds her the other half of the chocolate. She thinks, “It’s sweet..sensei..” Kazuma touches her face and says, “Compared to the year before, it has become more and more difficult to control myself when I obviously wanted to wait until you graduate. If you take the initiative to touch me, then I--” To his surprise, Fumino hugs him tight. Blushing Kazuma shouts if she just heard what he is saying. Fumino sits up and pushes Kazuma down. [Hehe, change position]. She shouts, “I heard you. You talk too much! Didn’t you just say that you wanted to endure! Then, just endure it now!” Blushing Fumino looks at Kazuma. With her heart beating loud, she leans down and kisses his eyes. “Do not move.” She kisses near his ear. Blushing Kazuma tells her to stop and that is enough. All the while, she is thinking, “I also want to give..give sensei..the feeling of touch that I’ve usually received, this kind of happiness..” She looks at him and says, “Please remember..this is my lips..”

Just as she is about to kiss Kazuma who is slightly resisting, they were startled by a loud knocking on the door. Frantic Shoma exclaims if Kazuma is alright and if he is being attacked. He has heard about it from Meg who is standing beside him and calling Shoma an idiot. Fumino has come to her senses that she is blushing all over her body. She is embarrassed that she is being accused of ‘attacking’. Kazuma fixes his necktie and says that Shoma has been a great help. Fumino apologizes and says that she wants to calm herself down so could he please go out [from the balcony?] for a while. Kazuma slightly blushes and smiles as he looks at her. While Fumino is covering her face from embarrassment over what she unexpectedly did even if she is just imitating what Kazuma usually does. Kazuma knocks on the glass and calls out to her. Touching the glass, Kazuma smiles and says, “Thank you, I really like...” Then, they kiss on the lips with the glass separating them. Pointing to blushing Fumino, Kazuma tells her to properly prepare herself next year. Narration: “Sensei...That kiss on the partition glass is icy cold but, I already know that degree of warmth and softness. In order not to forget that you must stay at my side, and later on, it will be forevermore--” When Kazuma opens the door, aghast Shoma asks if Kazuma is alright. He then screams at Meg that it is a honeymoon suite. Meg just giggles. Teppei, who is carried by Ryuu, exclaims that the room is really spacious. Inside, Teppei gives his anniversary gift for the couple. Ryuu is drinking. Shoma is pouting while Meg pats his back. On the second day, Fumino is crying out loud that it hurts while Kazuma is putting some ointment on her foot. Kazuma says that it must be caused by the rubbing of the high heels [on her skin]. He muses that it seems that she is still a kid like before so he is relieved a bit. Fumino shouts for him to shut up. =P

And so, that is how they spent their first wedding anniversary. I find it amusing when the girls are the ones ‘chasing’ after the guys. I do think that it is Fumino’s character to be forceful at times just like what happened before at the school festival when Shoma first appeared. Hehe, it does give a somewhat amusing feeling when it is the guy who is blushing and embarrassed when ‘attacked’. I’m somewhat curious whether Shoma does like Fumino or not but I guess his brother complex is currently stronger than whatever romantic feelings he has for Fumino. Haha, of course, I don’t think Kazuma will let Shoma fall for Fumino if he can help it. With such a nice lovey-dovey chapter for the anniversary, I now have high hopes of ‘lots more lovey-dovey’ for this series’ finale when the ‘real kiss’ takes place ^^ Scans by xiuxiu/咻咻 for BW.

Quote of the day:
There is no feeling more comforting and consoling than knowing you are right next to the one you love. ~ Author Unknown

The One [Chapter 65]
Sunday, April 4, 2010

And so, Lele faces Eros. Lele’s heartbeats out loud which infuriates Lele since she doesn’t want her heart beating for such an idiot like him. She just closes her eyes and walks away. Eros calls out to her and says that she looks awful and shouldn’t she be happy since she is now valued as a Glenn Deveraux girl. Lele just comments that he is quite well-informed about what’s happening. Lele tells herself not to look back for she would rather die than for him to know that she is still cares for him. Eros says that it cannot be helped because Nick treats him like a brother [like a confidant] and Nick is really worried that she’ll reject the offer and lose this opportunity because of him [Eros]. He asks if it really has something to do with him. This made Lele snap that she turns around and shouts back that he’s right, it has nothing to do with him. “There is no need for Nick to be worried about anything because I already don’t have any kind of feelings for you. Thanks for letting me experience that despicable side of yours, I’m totally wide-awake right now. When I said that I need time to think, it’s only because I needed time to take in this news, this really great news, the truth is, I have already decided on it early on.” Eros congratulates her. With a determined and somewhat disdain look, Lele thanks him. She tells him that other than Nick, Eros can also relax for she won’t meddle with him anymore. She also tells him that she can thoroughly forget about him once she leaves New York. Eros asks if the ‘thoroughly forget’ means that they won’t be friends later on. Lele asks back if they are even friends in the first place because if she thinks about it carefully, he is always leading and playing around with her as if she is a fool. He treated her nicely that she thought he is a nice person but there is some sort of darkness within his demeanor. Nevertheless, she chose to believe in him and she cannot help but fall for him. “Looking at me while I go around and round [because of you], you were laughing behind my back, right? That’s right! I’m very stupid but I still have feelings and I will ponder on things. I’m not a kitten or puppy that you can just casually play around with. So, I really don’t need this kind of ‘friend’.” Looking determined, Lele walks away and Eros just looks stunned.

At a living room, Ulysses says that he is quite surprised that Angus agreed to meet with him. Angus tells him to quit acting for Ulysses obviously knew that he had piqued his [Angus] curiosity. Angus says that it seems that Ulysses knows about his family to a certain degree so there is no longer any need to beat around the bush. “For you to approach me, does it have anything to do with my highly esteemed father?” Ulysses asks if he says no, would Angus believe him. Sitting down on the sofa opposite of Angus, Ulysses tells him that he first saw Angus in an advertisement and immediately, he is captivated by Angus. Later on, he saw the real Angus in a party and it fueled his resolution to get him. After a pause, Angus asks, “Why? Is it because of my looks? Could it be that given your status, you couldn’t find a good looking person? Since you already know about the stuff regarding Madame Mode, then, you should know that I...am not ‘clean’. It doesn’t sound nice but I’m a high society’s high class gigolo. With just an order from my father, no matter if it is some old guy or some old woman, I can accompany [sleep with] anyone!” Ulysses says that kind of thing isn’t rare in this ‘layer’ [of high society] but what’s important is that his spirit isn’t crushed. He mentions again about meeting Angus at a banquet. He observed that Angus kept his honor/respect within himself and just put up a facade in front of others. [Sorry, I’m not too sure about this part.] Ulysses says that Angus isn’t just some spoiled rich kid because even if he is surrounded by people whom he can easily converse with, his eyes show that he isn’t one bit enchanted [by those people]. “I feel that you can see through everything, so it seems that you won’t love anyone! I’m deeply infatuated with the you, who is emotionless to this extent.” Angus says that Ulysses is contradicting* [*knowing something is bad/hopeless yet still doing it] for he just said that he cannot love anyone yet Ulysses still casually say that he is infatuated with him. He tells him that before it seems like Ulysses wants to see him ‘kneel and beg’ and that makes Ulysses no different from all the other lowlifes out there. “I have seen a lot of people like you! How do you plan to make a move on me?”

To Angus’ surprise, Ulysses says that he isn’t going to do anything. Ulysses says that he is just joking about that ‘kneel and beg’ thing but he won’t give up. He admits that Angus arouses his want of a challenge and his desire to conquer but being ‘low and petty’ doesn’t suit Angus since ‘arrogance’ is more fitting his attitude. Angus says that is very interesting but does he think that just by saying those kinds of things would differentiate Ulysses from all those obscene others who think of him as a toy. Ulysses says that actually, there isn’t much difference because like them, he has some lowlife obscene desire towards Angus. “but other than that..I want to understand more the real you as to what kind of person you are.” Angus somewhat smiles and says that Ulysses is quite greedy for there is a high price for that. “In this world, aside from my twin brother, no one has the right to ‘understand’ me! And a while ago, you just said that you won’t do anything! With you like that, how are you going to do to get the right to ‘understand’ me?” Smiling, Ulysses tells him that when he said that, it meant that he won’t be doing the first move. He won’t be doing any offensive moves [in chasing after you]. “I just hope that one day you will come to me by yourself.” Angus asks where that confidence of Ulysses is coming from. He says that Ulysses is interesting but does he really think that he [Angus] will just go to him on his own. “This young master won’t be doing that kind of thing!” Ulysses says that he won’t know but he has a gut feeling that that their relationship won’t be just like this. He tells Angus to just wish something and he’ll bet everything on it to make it come true. “It’s all for you..I also won’t hesitate!” Angus thinks, “Willing to lose everything for me, and also won’t hesitate? Hmph, who are you trying to deceive? In the end, it is all for your selfish desire! In this world, there is no one who’ll do something for the other and sacrificing oneself without condition...I have heard that lie so many times already, that I’m already numb by it! Everyone is the same! Why don’t all of you liars..just go die!” There is also a scene of Yang [so I guess he also doesn’t believe Yang who promised to die with him].

Elsewhere, Eros is looking out the harbor and remembers Lele telling him that she’ll thoroughly forget about him once she leaves New York. Eros thinks that this is for the best. He then calls up Taylor and says that he has a favor to ask. On his way home, Angus notices some people looking at him. As he nears Eros’ house, he begins to become tense since there are a lot more people looking at him. He slams the door close upon returning back. Eros asks him what happened. Angus curses his father for bringing so many people there. Eros tells him that the truth is they don’t have much time. Looking out the window, Eros says that lately, there are more frequent shifts within the 24 hours, who were watching their place. So, if their father ordered something, they will start to move. Angus nervously says that even if he dies, he doesn’t want to go back to that place. Eros reminds him that he said that he won’t let their father bring Angus back. Eros says that there is still two weeks before the deadline set by their father and he already has a plan. Eros tells him to inform An Bai [Angus’ manager] that he is going to take a break in Los Angeles to look for work. Eros will go with him and Taylor will help them from there. Angus doesn’t seem too happy about this that he asks, “Taylor?” Eros says that is right, and he knows that Angus doesn’t like Taylor but their father doesn’t know much about Taylor and he is their best cover-up. Taylor can disguise as a worker then find a way to ‘take them away’ to his ranch. They will look really the same while shooting an advertisement that their father’s men won’t be easily suspicious about it. After Taylor leaves the place, other than Eros, no one else knows Taylor’s secluded place. They will stay at Taylor’s place and it is very safe there. Angus looks surprise-speechless by this.

At Lele’s place, Leo asks if she has really decided to go to Paris. Lele says yes. Her vacation is over and Xiao Qui has already left for Japan so only she and Leo are staying in that place. After that [almost rape] incident happened, a lot of things aren’t the same anymore. Pointing out the window to watch the every movement of the ‘neighbor’, that telescope no longer affects their moods. Along with the closed window, their ‘one-sided love’ formally ended. While Leo is helping Lele pack, Lele asks him if he really wants to draw the curtains, because it is pitch black inside that he’ll be more depressed and frustrated. Leo tells her that he is grieving over the demise of his romantic love and this is an important ‘ceremony’ for him. Lele asks if that room will ever see the light again and she misses sunlight already. Leo angrily tells her that will happen when he finds a new love. Lele apologizes to him that it is because of her, he is also heartbroken. Leo says that he should actually thank her for letting him see the true side of Eros else he would continue to waste his time on him. Lele says that he is definitely in more pain than her because he liked Eros for a longer time than she does. “I can just go to Paris and just avoid that guy who caused me pain! But you, you still have to work with him as always..” Leo tells her that it won’t be a hindrance for work is work and before he came to like Eros, they are co-workers. He says that he is worried about Lele for it wasn’t easy for her to adapt to New York life and yet, immediately, she is going to live in another unfamiliar place. “You should really do your best! Work hard and become a really great ‘Glenn Deveraux’ girl!” Teary eyes, Leo continues, “I will think of you everyday..” Lele is also teary-eyed as she is touched by Leo’s concern.

I think that because of what Eros said really made up Lele’s mind to leave that place for who would want to keep seeing him as a reminder of that awful incident and would even be shameless enough to tell her that it is because of him that she is still depressed that she won’t even take a great job opportunity. Even if Eros does know what he is doing and its consequences, I guess it still hurts when Lele told those things to him especially about severing ties with him and well, except for that ‘attempted rape’, all of his feelings for her were true – contrary to what she thought. Well, since she is now ‘safe’ from his father’s spies, Eros can really now concentrate on protecting Angus. I think with Taylor’s future involvement in the story, maybe Angus will also learn about the pain that Eros has also gone through. Hm..not sure if that is good though because Angus might be the type of person that is okay if he is the only one who is hurt but not his beloved brother. He might do something reckless if he learns about it that is why Eros kept it a secret. I somehow fear for Eros’ safety because if something happens to him, Angus might actually take up Ulysses’ offer. Hopefully, it is really unconditional though but then, I guess like Angus, I’ll be cynic about it especially since Ulysses did admit his desire for him so there is an exchange. This chapter gave Angus some depth to his character that he really isn’t just some spoiled playboy. I come to understand him more and I’m really aghast to learn that it seems that that his father is really such a pimp to make Angus sleep around, not just with one person but many ^^; No wonder he trust no one except Eros. They all promised him the stars and the moon but all failed to deliver. He had already closed his heart especially after being used like that by his own father. Unlike them, Eros will indeed sacrifice his self..well, in this case, own happiness just for him. Eros does what he says so I guess this is partly the reason why Angus is really obsessed to the point of jealousy and has a tendency to monopolize his brother. So, I can just imagine what Angus will do if he loses Eros. Of course, I think Yang might actually do what he promised if given the opportunity to do so. I wonder how the author is going to go about the story now because our main protagonists are going their separate ways. Will it concentrate on Lele then time skip and meet again or it will be tackled simultaneously? I think the twins might find themselves in Europe soon. =P Next chapter on 5/5. Scans by whitesunnie for BW and Happy Easter Sunday ^^

Word of the day:
Although our Lord was crucified, He rose up from the grave; He paid our penalty for sin, then showed His power to save. ~ Sper from Our Daily Bread

Kyou, Koi wo Hajimemasu [Chapters 60] Teaser
Saturday, April 3, 2010

Tsubaki is really aghast over how strong the effect of the H on her school ranking. While she couldn’t believe it and almost teary-eyed, she overhears Kyouta laughing that she’s 10th place. I think she blames him as to whose fault it is who stole her time. Kyouta seems to say that it doesn’t seem to affect him since he is still in first place with 500 points. Kyouta seems to continue to say that grades isn’t important something much to Tsubaki’s irritation that she angrily left. Haru laughs at Kyouta who found himself talking with a nerd-looking guy instead of Tsubaki. Kyouta seems somewhat flustered by this. Tsubaki still frustrated over the turn of events. Soon, it is going to be sports day. Miho is telling the class something and it made Tsubaki want to volunteer as a committee member responsible for it. The teacher seems over eager that their class wins this, too. The other students don’t seem to be that interested. To Tsubaki’s shock, the other committee member seemed to mention that grades fall down when he was in charge of it last year. Tsubaki is getting frustrated that what happened in the first year is happening again since no one is playing attention to her when she is talking. The other guy mentioned something about Tsubaki being Kyouta’s girlfriend and about winning this. It made the others eager to participate. Then, Miho and Tsubaki seem to be planning to win the three-legged race. On the sports day, Miho says something to Kyouta..seems like a reprimand or something.

After Miho left, Tsubaki arrives. They talk a bit and when Kyouta tries to lovey-dovey, Tsubaki rebuffs him by saying that she’s busy and wait until the event is over. While walking away, Tsubaki looks determined. On site, Tsubaki somehow ends up cleaning trash. To her shock, she spots Kyouta with a couple of girls who are clinging on both his arms. He doesn’t seem to be rejecting them though. ^^; Poor Tsubaki..it seems that she couldn't balance love and studies/work together. Something has to suffer and obviously, that isn't a problem to Kyouta. The guy is really amazing. Actually, the guy is a genius. Shouldn't they let him skip grades or something if things are too easy for him? This guy really has a future ahead of him. Why is it that when Tsubaki avoids him in order to concentrate on some other things that she thinks is important, she always finds him with some other girls? I think she ought to give him a dose of his own medicine. Too bad that no good looking and seemingly better guy is around to make Kyouta jealous and realize how Tsubaki has been feeling when she sees him with those other girls. Well, this isn’t Bokutachi wa Shitte Shimatta. I really hope that she won't be taking the initiative again this time to make things better again since Kyouta might probably just take advantage of it and thinks that she wants to have H again and she'll most probably give in again. ^^; Scan by Amyangel19910323 for BW

Quote of the day:
Work is vital. But we should not be so obsessed with it that it crowds out worship and spiritual instruction. Work hard, but keep first things first. ~ Herbert Vander Lugt from Our Daily Bread

Skip Beat! [Chapter 155] Teaser
Friday, April 2, 2010

This spoiler is shared by 找不到網頁 from baidu and I’m translating based on the Chinese summary done by 大豆最高. There might be some mistakes but here goes: Facing Cain, who is like Ren whom she is worried about not eating properly, Setsuka/Kyouko swears that she will take charge of her troublesome brother. Lory gives the key to the hotel where they will be staying to Cain Setsuka. He then proclaims that the two of them will be living together. Kyouko is stunned by this. In the hotel room, there is only one bed. [I would want to see their reactions on this.] Kyouko plans to get another room but Ren tells her that Setsuka is set-up to be in charge of her brother so does she really want to get a separate room? Thinking that as Setsuka that they’ll sleep together, Kyouko says that it would be fine if she sleeps on the floor. Ren replies, “Since we are going to sleep together, I can lend you my arm as a pillow.” In an instant, the hotel staff comes to apologize about the mistake regarding the key = wrong room. Then, they are brought to a room with two beds. So, regarding what Ren said about his arm being a pillow, Kyouko replies that it cannot be done anymore. During this time, Kyouko feels that her acting skills are still lacking and she isn’t that qualified a match to Ren. Even if hurt, still quite removed from Kyouko. [Not sure about this sentence]

Ren himself knows clearly that it is unnecessary but confronted with this kind of situation, it really doesn’t matter because he is quite confident. Even if hurt it is dangerous, he’ll just bringkeep up his ‘acting’ and ‘being a professional’ and it will be fine. While Setsuka is picking the things up confronting left by the hotel staff who were apologizing, her cleavage and legs/thighs can be seen. Cain approaches Setsuka and the two look at each other. While Setsuka is gathering things with her right hand, Cain grabs that hand. It is like she is pulled but not sure if it is towards him. It will be continued on the 10th issue [April 20], “Confronted with a really dangerous circumstance, Ren’s reason/rationality has collapsed, a storm coming?! Stop, Cain-ani!!” Oh ya, from 欣子-凡’s pictures in BW, there is something that is spotted among the things that Kyouko is picking up and it seems like a condom =P There are no raws yet but I guess that is enough to perk up our excitement and scream, “Where’s the next issue?!” Cover scan by chinglan1987. PS. Safely back home ^^ I'll answer the tags after I've settled down.

Word of the day:
Whenever we fall, it is usually at the point where we think we are strong. ~ Our Daily Bread